King Arthur's Last Battle Reenactment

Historically, the battle of Camlann seems to have taken place between 450-530AD, although Hollywood would have us believe that Arthur ruled in the full-armour technicolour blaze of the Middle Ages. Accordingly, there are two battles reenacted each day of the weekend.

Kicking things off around lunchtime is a re-enactment of some part of Arthurian legend; such as the sword in the stone or a hand-to-hand tournament. This takes place on the grounds of Tintagel Primary School in full shiny armour and ultimately ends with both forces clashing until few men are left standing.

Later in the afternoon, the battlers don their leather, paint themselves in blue wode and recreate the battle of Camlann. The forces clash, pull back and send their champion knights forward to try and decide the outcome to no avail. Arthur and Mordred go toe-to-toe and, as legend has it, Mordred spears Arthur who simultaneously cleaves his son's head clean off his shoulders with his dying blow (although the re-enactment stops short of full beheading!). The two forces then clash before the "dead" body of Arthur is carried from the field.

Over 600 people take part in the battles, attracting over 1000 spectators each day. Training every week, they use real weapons, albeit blunted, and bruises and broken fingers aside, there are few injuries. Participants come from as far afield as France, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland.

Aside from the battles themselves, the warriors also parade through the village and compete in best swordsman and archery contests, much to the amusement of the crowd. There is also the opportunity to fire off a few arrows yourself, before wandering through the stalls and seeking much-needed refreshment in the beer tent.