Skipton Christmas Medieval Market

Pictures from the recent Christmas Medieval Market held in Skipton on the 8th and 15th of December 2002.

All the participants of this annual event were up and about early to ensure a fun packed day. Erecting their medieval market stalls, or adjusting their tabards and lutes, there was plenty to see, and to do...unfortunately the weather was a little damp and dismal on the second of the Sundays, but the show must go on...

So, roll, up, roll up, and try your hand at hitting the serf with a soggy wet ball! Eat hot chestnuts till you're stuffed! Rub shoulders with merchants and kings, jesters and wenches. Seek out the sights, sounds, and smells of yesteryear, here in Skipton. The now famous Medieval Market, where all manner of ancient tomfoolery happens over the two Sundays before Christmas.

Anyway, you just don't see enough men in tights these days...but when Skipton pushes out the boat to be collectively 'medieval', that's just what happens. Also, I can't remember the last time I saw so many silly hats in one place at one time? I was sure a man walked past me with my grandmother's tea-cosy on his head? ...Still it was a very cold day, perhaps that's why there were so very few cod pieces out and about. There was also some confusion as to the dress code, and methinks there were refugees filtering in from the Dickensian camp up in Grassington?

Sadly, I missed the Dwile Flonking Competition, but I hope to practice flonking my dwile all year until I meet the stiff competition in 2003.

The Barnoldswick Brass Band were on stonking good form, as were the highly energetic, Oakworth Mixed Morris Dancers, who gave their all. They were perhaps the best entertainment on the days.

Also present were the Harlech Medieval Society; The Minstrel Blondel; Glyn & Greg; Flagcrackers, who accompanied the Morris dancers; Wassail Band and Dancers; and not forgetting (if only we could) King Arthur & the Nits of the Round Table.

Click on any photograph for a larger image

Thanks to CragFace for contributing these photographs.

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