© Courtesy Royal Armouries
The familiar sound of clashing arms and galloping hooves is set to return to the Royal Armouries in Leeds this August Bank Holiday weekend as knights once again don full armour to secure victory in the majestic Tournament of the Griffin.
The hotly-contested jousting competition has become a popular staple in the Armouries innovative programme of living history events, with visitors arriving early to pick favourite knights as they put the horses through their paces in a variety of stunts and tricks.
This year’s tournament is based around the symbol of the griffin, the mythical, legendary beast with the body of a lion and the head of a mighty bird of prey.
“For sheer spectacle it’s hard to beat the excitement and speed of the Tournament,” says Museums Director Peter Armstrong.
“The symbol of the griffin is especially significant at Royal Armouries as the beast’s head is depicted on the helmet at the entrance to our Tournament Gallery in Leeds. It’s fitting to link our Bank Holiday event to its symbolism and imagery.”
The third and final part of the Armouries summer Weekend Warriors event programme, the tournament follows highly successful Robots and War Games events at the Leeds attraction.
A parade of knights and horses promising “all the pomp and pageantry” of a true medieval tournament heralds the Grand Final on Bank Holiday Monday.
- Heats at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets £5/£3 (£6/£4 for Final). Book online.www.royalarmouries.org/events/calendar/2012-08-25/weekend-warriors-tournament
