Courtesy of Historic Scotland
More than 120 costumed performers will be taking part in Linlithgow Palace’s medieval pageant and the King’s fountain, one of the oldest in Britain, will be made to flow.
Party at the Palace is, organised by Historic Scotland as part of the national Homecoming celebrations, will celebrate events from 1503, a year in which King James IV married Margaret Tudor and the Treaty of Perpetual Peace was signed with England.
Each day of the pageant will begin with a parade of up to 10 mounted knights in armour escorting King James IV and his new Queen along Linlithgow High Street to the palace.
Also joining in the festivities will be dozens of courtiers and the followers of four great noble families whose champions will take part in a hotly contested jousting tournament.
There will be hands on events in the palace and grounds for all ages and etiquette tutors will be on hand to offer tips to the public on what to do if they meet the King and Queen.
“There will be lots to do and see with jesters, poets, storytellers, musicians, dancers, falconers and cooks filling the palace - there will even be an alchemist trying to turn ordinary metals into gold,” said Nick Finnigan, Historic Scotland events and film manager.
Courtesy of Historic Scotland
The Campbell, Lindsay, Douglas and Hamilton clans will be battling against each other in the jousting and the afternoon events will climax each day when 80 foot warriors gather to do battle to decide which great clan will be the champions.
Each clan will have its own tented encampment and visitors can go and discover what life was like for the clans in 1503. Inside the palace younger visitors will be able to help the royal bakers knead the dough to make the bread for when then hungry King and Queen arrive.
Marie Christie, director of homecoming Scotland 2009, said: “Party at the palace is based on a period of significant historical importance and looks set to be fantastic fun filled weekend of education and entertainment for all ages.”
For more information or to book tickets go to www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
