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Reply ID 1958

No Medieval Night this year. In its place a two day event on December 4th and 5th - but during day. Continental market, up to 30 stalls from all over Europe, in Fore Street. New xmas lights turned on from Salisbury Square - hot chestnuts and fish from Claydons available. Father Christmas enters town on McMullens dray on 5th. Also all shops, offices, bars and restaurants invited to enter a display competition to make town centre look festive. Hopefully plenty of photo opportunities and running a comp on Hertbeat to win a hamper filled with stuff from the market.

Reply ID 1979

That's shame, medieval night was good, children especially like it.

Reply ID 2121

The kids may have liked it but there was nothing "medieval" about it! It was just cheap tat and noisy smelly fun fair rides that I couldn't and wouldn't go on! Crush of people and could never get out of the way of smell of hotdogs! I liked it when it first started but not what it ended up. I would like fairground rides, but not the cheap tat sold alongside it.. by very dodgy blokes!

Reply ID 2123

Totally agree. Excuse for gangs of chavs to get drunk and start vandalising the down.

Reply ID 2125

I agree. It was not very medieval, but it was very popular. I would like to see the town make more of it's history and I believe there is a place for a medieval night, day or weekend. But it doesn't have to be at this time of the year. Some years back I spoke to the town council about staging an historical event based around the Castle Grounds but they were not enthusiastic. In fact they seemed very suspicious and it was clearly not going to happen. Perhaps the thought of a Hertford resident offering to organise an not for profit event that would benefit the town and the people was not the sort of thing they were after.

Reply ID 2127

I remember the first time I encountered medieval night - I'd invited a couple of old uni friends over for a drink on the Friday afternoon, which then turned into five or six drinks (and maybe more [:D]). Anyway, it was all rather perculiar spilling out onto the streets of Hertford to find folk milling around in all sorts of 12th century outfits. I couldn't for the life of me work out what was going on (being p*ssed didn't help, I'll admit) but I do remember having to confirm with them the following morning that we had actually seen jesters and wenches on Fore Street and had not imagined it.

Reply ID 2129

Mr Sloop, are you organising the event?

Reply ID 2132

According to the latest rumours - yes. Am looking at the moment though for a brass band. If there is anyone out there that can help etc etc. BTW, as for 'not for profit' events. Difficult. Fun Days were highly successful but ran on a lot of free help and large donations from various town centre organisations (and one or two businesses). But even then funds get tight because not all performers, exhibitors etc will do things for nothing. I think the fireworks display over at Hartham was the only one that was free. I noticed that this year all displays were in enclosed areas and charged at the door. The two day event is highly subsidised although I must say now that the market people are paying a proper commercial fee.

Reply ID 2134

I have a contact in a brass band. Do you have any details?

Reply ID 2152

Thanks for coming back Ewoowar. This is a bit back to front but the day ends with Father Christmas coming into town on McMullens dray with Mayor etc. This is timed for 4.30 to turn on the lights. To warm people up I have Hertbeat in Salisbury Square and burgers, hot chestnuts, fish and mulled wine. I though that a brass band to play some good old fashioned sing a long type carols for about 40 mins max at say 3.45 would give crowd something to be entertained by whilst waiting for the official bit. I am not too sure of the budget at moment as a huge cost looms but happy to pay something or contribution to charity. Not too big a band; my knowledge of these things a bit limited and I can't guarnatee weather nor provide cover so .... I originally approached schools but being a Sunday ... If you can help I would really appreciate it. I think my details can be accessed through this Forum but at present nursing a cold, flu and other things so my response time not too good for a day or two.

Reply ID 2206

Personally, I really enjoyed the medieval BMX bike display.