MORE than 2,000 guests were treated to bank holiday fun in the sun as Hedingham Castle held its second jousting event of the year.

The event, which was held over the bank holiday weekend delighting thousands with some historical family fun and games.

The previous joust event was held in April and also saw more than a thousand through the gates, despite a day of poorer weather.

Gazette: FUN IN THE SUN: A guest enjoys splat the ratFUN IN THE SUN: A guest enjoys splat the rat (Image: N/A)

The castle welcomed the Knights of Royal England to the grounds in its latest outing.

Gazette: DRESS UP: Members of the Digging Holes Street TheatreDRESS UP: Members of the Digging Holes Street Theatre (Image: N/A)

Marketing manager Steffi Dry said: “We had more 2,000 guests over two days and the Knights of Royal England put on a fantastic show.

Gazette: ARTS AND CRAFTS: Medieval archer Graeme BealeARTS AND CRAFTS: Medieval archer Graeme Beale (Image: N/A)

“The weather was glorious and guests were able to enjoy lots of activities such as axe throwing, archery and the ever-popular mechanical rolling horse, all of which were included in the ticket price.

Gazette: SPECIAL DEMO: Guests enjoyed watching the making of chainmail SPECIAL DEMO: Guests enjoyed watching the making of chainmail (Image: N/A)

“There was also interactive living history from the Invaders and Defenders, making medicines with herbs and showing armour and weapons, as well as fascinating exhibitions from The Company of Mortimers Cross, with their medieval surgical equipment, working kitchen and chain mail making demonstration.

Gazette: ON SONG: The Colchester Waits put on a performanceON SONG: The Colchester Waits put on a performance (Image: N/A)

“We were also thrilled to welcome back Eden Falconry after six months of avian flu quarantine.

Gazette: RIDE ON: A knight of royal England preparing to do battleRIDE ON: A knight of royal England preparing to do battle (Image: N/A)

“While the birds are still unable to take part in flight displays, due to lack of training due to quarantine, guests were treated to static displays of all their favourite feathered friends, including Big Alice the Eurasian Eagle Owl and Zephyr the Bald Eagle, with lots of interesting information about their characteristics, diet and abilities.

Gazette: EAGLED-EYED: Zephyr the Bald EagleEAGLED-EYED: Zephyr the Bald Eagle (Image: N/A)

“Guests were well fed throughout the day with local food trucks from What The Peck, Smoketruk, Cheese and Pie Man, Cacciatores Pizza, traditional pralines, hot doughnuts, candyfloss and popcorn.

Gazette: ARMOURED UP: A knight on horseback ready to joustARMOURED UP: A knight on horseback ready to joust (Image: N/A)

“We also had some lovely artisan vendors including Fruity’s Fleeces, Magic & Wonders and Mystic Moon.”

The final joust of the year will take place on August 27 and 28.

Tickets will be available on the day as well as online at hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.