Wokingham Medieval Jousting Weekend returns 12 September

Knights on horseback, birds of prey and a medieval encampment will return to Wokingham for the Medieval Jousting Weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. The family-focused festival runs from 10am to 4pm each day at Dinton Pastures Country Park, with advance tickets starting at £4.50 for children and £8.50 for adults.

Wokingham Borough Council says the programme is designed for visitors of all ages. Tickets are available through the Dinton Pastures website, with higher prices charged to anyone buying on the day.

Jousting transforms Dinton Pastures into a medieval arena

The Knights of Middle England will lead the main display, combining mounted jousting with horsemanship and stunt performance. The Warwickshire group appeared at the first Medieval Jousting Weekend last year and will again turn part of the country park into a live arena.

The Exiles will establish a camp where visitors can hear stories about medieval life and watch martial arts demonstrations. Archery sessions and separately booked arrow-breaking sessions also feature in the programme, alongside children’s donkey rides, local crafts and an entertainment village.

Live music, a fun fair and a food market broaden the day beyond the arena displays. The confirmed food and drink line-up includes a barbecue from JL Catering, The Happy Bee Coffee Truck and The Rollin’ Inn Bar.

Birds of prey return for flying and handling displays

Berkshire Birds of Prey, a family-run Bracknell business, will bring seven named birds to the event. The group includes Harris hawk Lightning McQueen, barn owl Bella, peregrine Apollo, long-eared owl Stitch, kestrel Noddy, tawny owl Pumba and western screech owl Fagin.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see the birds in flight and take part in a handling experience. The flying display remains weather-dependent and will be cancelled if the wind is too strong.

Advance prices and booking details

Each admission ticket covers one full event day from 10am until 4pm.

Advance booking is available on the Dinton Pastures website. The council has not stated the higher on-the-day rates, so visitors who want the published prices will need to buy before arriving.

A discounted parking ticket costs £6 when purchased in advance through the same website. Visitors can also hire a bell tent to camp on site, while arrow-breaking sessions require a separate booking.

Councillor Mark Ashwell, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure and the Arts, said the returning event would bring together displays, immersive entertainment and activities for families. The final practical step is to select either 12 or 13 September and book admission, parking and any separately ticketed activity through the Dinton Pastures website.

Source: Wokingham Borough Council