An ancient gathering of minstrels is being recreated in Chester on Saturday (June 11).
Performers will be travelling from across the land to St John’s Church for Britain’s biggest collective of medieval musicians.
The Minstrels’ Court event has become a regular fixture in the city’s summer calendar having been revived from an old tradition which took place each June for five centuries.
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The Minstrels’ Court first took place in 1204 when entertainers at a fair in the city helped save the Earl of Chester from Welsh soldiers.
The musicians marched to Rhuddlan making such a din that the besiegers feared a huge army were coming and so fled.
In gratitude the Earl gave the minstrels his protection and they would renew their licence to perform each midsummer.
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The event is one of only a few re-enactments in Britain to take place in its original and authentic location.
St John’s, beside the amphitheatre, is the oldest church in Cheshire and its aisles will be filled with medieval characters for the event.
Visitors will be able to meet knights, pilgrims, scribes and craftspeople whilst being entertained by medieval musicians.
The bands taking part include Trouvere, one of the country’s top medieval groups, who play early medieval tunes on cittern and harp, Cheshire-based ensemble Maranella, performing songs with lute and recorder, and Chester’s band The Time Bandit, well renowned for their lively mix of traditional tunes from the 15th to 18th century.
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There will also be medieval puppet shows and storytelling.
At 1pm the minstrels will leave the church to process through the city streets playing medieval instruments such as hurdy gurdy, shawm and English bagpipes. They will return to the church at 1.30pm to be issued with their licences in a recreation of the original ceremony.
The Minstrels’ Court runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm with performances by musicians and storytellers throughout the day, and admission is free.
