Thousands of fans will flock to a national museum in Hunslet to witness history’s most high-octane sport in real life.
Two of the country’s best jousters are set to take on the Royal Armouries Museum’s finest talent for a chance to ride for glory at next year’s International Jousting Tournament.
Experienced jousters Stacey Van-Dolah Evans and Simon John, will take on a home team featuring reigning international champion Mike Collin, and rising star, Emma Pearn
The tournament, spanning three days from Saturday 24 – Monday 26 August 2024 will feature six competitive bouts of extreme equestrianism, with riders trying to strike opponents with 10-foot lances at speeds of up to 30mph.
The winner will represent the museum, the spiritual home of competitive modern jousting at the 2025 Easter International Jousting Tournament against yet-to-be-named opposition. 2024’s tournament saw Mike Collin snatch victory in the individual competition against top riders from France and Italy.
For the first time, the August tournament will be complemented by an evening of medieval music, food and drink centred around an Arthurian joust with a twist.
The after-hours show will see the Knights of the Round Table defend the realm against mysterious challengers as revellers enjoy a feast of fire-eaters, fools, wizards, bardcore music and authentic medieval mead on the evening of Saturday 24 August.
Popular home crowd favourite and Royal Armouries Jousting Team member, Emma Pearn will be using August’s tournament to prepare for a different challenge.
At the end of September, Emma will scale South Wales’s highest peak, Pen y Fan in full jousting armour to raise money for the museum.
Emma aims to support the museum where she was first given the chance to compete in 2021 while raising the profile of a sport that has captivated her since childhood.
Emma says:
“I want to get more people talking about jousting – not just in a re-enactment or historical sense, but in a sense that this is a modern and evolving sport. I want to show that jousting today is an inclusive sport that welcomes everyone.
“I wouldn’t be the jouster I am today without the support and belief of the Royal Armouries. With this, I feel strongly about giving something back and ensuring the longevity of the sport I am so passionate about,” she added.
Entry to the museum is free and tickets for the tournamrent can be pre-booked online here: royalarmouries.org/leeds/whats-on/jousting-tournament
This post is based on a press release issued by the Royal Armouries Museum
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