HUNDREDS of families marvelled at the sights and sounds of the Medieval Play Day in Trowbridge Town Park over the weekend, with falconry and re-enactments among the activities on offer.

Organised by Trowbridge Town Council and Active Trowbridge, the annual free event was themed around medieval England to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta this year.

The event, which took place in the park on Saturday and Sunday, included music and plays, archery, a recreation of medieval life in Trowbridge and medieval craft activities provided by Trowbridge Museum.

Co-organiser Amy Knowland, leisure services administrator with Active Trowbridge, said: “It was really well attended and very busy throughout the two days, with lots of families coming along.

“Everyone really enjoyed the activities on offer and the medieval re-enactments were particularly popular, with the large shows taking place opposite the band stand in the park.

“The falconry shows were also great, while children loved the inflatable medieval castle. The main purpose of the event was to provide activities free of charge so that children and their parents could keep active and enjoy themselves.

“I would hope that we attracted some more older people as well this year who were interested in finding out more about the medieval period and the Magna Carta, as it is an event for the whole community.”

The Sunday saw medieval jousting take place in the town park, with one of Europe’s leading horse masters, stuntmen and stunt co-ordinator groups The Devils Horsemen wowing the crowds.

Trowbridge Town Council's community development officer Maryrose Mantle, who organised the jousting show, said: “Despite the atrocious weather we had in the morning, it was an absolutely brilliant display.

“The Devils Horsemen worked really well with the crowd and coped well with the difficult conditions. The stunts and the tumbles went down a treat with the crowd and everyone was booing the bad guy.

“We have never had anything like this before in the park, but I think everyone who was there enjoyed it thoroughly. It wasn’t just the sight that made it so good, but the sound of it all.”