I popped along to the Queen Ann Gardens to see how the activities we’d lined up for the local school holidays were going – mayhem!. Medieval Mayhem to be precise, which was just what we hoped for. And there were lots of parents standing watching, taking pictures of their little ones, and laughing at the antics.

The merriment is understandable, with kids having a fantastic time jousting on hobby horses, or battling it out with soft plastic foam swords. When I was there a little girl of around five was concentrating very hard as a costumed performer, dressed in a bright red outfit, taught her the finer points of crossbow shooting. They also learn hunting skills, which will come in handy if they ever need to track down a wild boar for their tea.

Over in the Great Hall there was another performer doing storytelling. Children were gathered round the high table (which would originally have been reserved for the king and queen) and listening, eyes wide, to a tale about the adventures of a castle mouse.

We’d run the Medieval Mayhem activities during the summer and they were so popular we invited them back. They really do set youngsters’ imaginations going, and you can see them chattering away enthusiastically to their parents about everything they’ve done as they head off home. It’s running each day to October 17th, so come along if you have the chance – it’s included in the ticket price.

Gillian MacDonald, Executive manager.