A MUCH-LOVED venue took visitors back in time as it welcomed back knights of old for a spectacular event.

Hedingham Castle once again hosted its popular annual Knights of Middle England event.

A staple event on the calendar each year, the event welcomes visitors to enjoy a variety of medieval attractions.

Halstead Gazette: Soaring - one of the birds of prey in flightSoaring - one of the birds of prey in flight (Image: Allegra Loch)

The Knights of Middle England staged two thrilling jousting tournaments.

Other activities included a birds of prey display with Eden Falconry, combat displays, archery, axe throwing, traditional fairground games, medieval music, a medieval village to walk through, artisan stalls, and food and drink.

Halstead Gazette: Friends - a knight with a bird of preyFriends - a knight with a bird of prey (Image: Allegra Loch)

The venue also hosted a special Easter-themed trail over recent weeks.

Marketing manager Steffi Dry said: We've had a brilliant couple of weeks with our Easter trails and various activities, finishing off with a fantastic first joust of the year.

Halstead Gazette: Historic - the blacksmith in the medieval villageHistoric - the blacksmith in the medieval village (Image: Hedingham Castle)

“The weather was kind, the Knights of Middle England were fabulous as always, the crowd was happy, we couldn't fault a thing.

“This is the first joust in years which hasn't opened on Easter weekend, due to the early dates this year, but we didn't need to worry - our wonderful customers showed up and supported us as ever and we can't thank them enough.

Halstead Gazette: Delicious - Hedingham Castle's brand new DeVere Finest Gin Delicious - Hedingham Castle's brand new DeVere Finest Gin (Image: Hedingham Castle)

“And it was worth holding out just those extra couple of weeks as we were rewarded with some sun, finally.

“We are hoping the weather continues to be good to us for our May Day Fair and then our next joust, with the Knights of Royal England over the late May bank holiday weekend.”

Halstead Gazette: Explore - there were two exciting trails to enjoyExplore - there were two exciting trails to enjoy (Image: Hedingham Castle)

The Castle’s May Day Fair is on May 5 and 6, which will once again see Hedingham Castle bursting with life.

There will be engaging arena displays including Maypole dancing and birds of prey as well as a hilarious performance by The Pantaloons of The Earls of Oxford.

Halstead Gazette: Event - visitors at Hedingham CastleEvent - visitors at Hedingham Castle (Image: Hedingham Castle)

The Knights of Royal England Joust will be on May 26 and 27.

Both events will again feature other activities such as archery, axe throwing and more.

For more information visit hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.