Get ready for a fantastic knight out this weekend

Noble knights will battle it out at Linlithgow Palace this weekend as two days of spectacular jousting returns.

Visitors will hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances as the jousting tournaments kick off at 1.30pm and 3.15pm in the main arena, on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July.

There will be opportunities to get hands on with history as visitors are invited to explore the living history camps and meet medieval soldiers, take part in craft activities and period games, and watch archery demonstrations.

Kids can also try their hand at junior jousting on a hobby horse.

Musicians and jesters will be entertaining families throughout the day and there will be a falconry flying display. Visitors can also visit the horses in their stables.

New for this year is the ‘UStar’ selfie booth, where visitors can get their photo taken in front of green screen technology to create their own jousting selfie.

Gillian Urquhart, events manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: ‘Spectacular Jousting is one of our most popular events and we’re excited to see what the knights bring to the arena this year. We’re urging visitors to arrive as early as possible to enjoy the family-friendly activities before cheering on their favourite knight.

‘The event promises to be a great day out for the whole family – bring a picnic or enjoy the delicious food on offer and watch as the knights recreate the signature sports game of the Middle Ages.’

Linlithgow Palace, one of over 70 staffed Historic Scotland attractions managed by Historic Environment Scotland, is the magnificent ruins of what was once a majestic royal residence of the Stewarts and the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Spectacular Jousting takes place at Linlithgow Palace, 12.30am – 4.30pm on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July, with the main jousts taking place at 1.30pm and 3.15pm. Visitors are encouraged to arrive as early as possible with the site opening at 9.30am.

Entry is free for Historic Scotland members – membership cards must be scanned on arrival.

Please note, there will be an additional charge for the UStar photo booth.