Castle seeks Fool

A Lake District castle has started the search for a new jester. Muncaster Castle was home to Tom Fool and is believed to be the only castle in Europe to appoint a modern day jester.

The International Jester Tournament, to find the new Fool, will be the centrepiece of the Castle’s Festival of Fools that will run from 24th to 28th May and which will be sponsored by Jennings Brewery.

The winning jester will receive a crate of Jennings Cumberland Ale every month for a year and will make a number of foolish appearances at the Castle in the course of their reign as Muncaster’s jester.

Last year’s winner, A.J James, wowed the crowds with a performance that included a mix of comedy, acrobatics and escapology. He will compere the competition to appoint his successor.

He says: “I’ve had a lot of fun this year. It’s been fantastic to be able to act the Fool and get paid for it. The free beer was good too. It’s a great job to have and I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who would love to be the official jester at the home of the original Tom Fool.”

The previous year the title went to an American fool, Paul Garbanzo.

Anyone who wants to take part in the competition will need to be able to use their skills to keep a lively crowd thoroughly entertained for at least 15 minutes.

Tom Fool was the Pennington family jester in the sixteenth century. The family have lived at Muncaster Castle for over 800 years.

Peter Frost Pennington says:

“We really enjoy having our own Fool at Muncaster and our visitors love seeing the Fool in action. The competition has been really fierce in previous years, so we are looking forward to seeing what this year’s contenders have to offer.”

Specially selected madcap entertainers from all over the country will also be performing at the Castle every day during the Festival of Fools.

Gaynor Green from Cumbrian brewery Jennings says: “We are strongly committed to supporting events in Cumbria and are delighted to be sponsoring the Festival of Fools again as its so much fun for everyone.”

Anyone wanting to take part in the competition should apply in writing with details about their relevant skills and any previous experience.

Contestants must be over 18 years of age. Further information can be obtained by emailing info@muncaster.co.uk or by writing to:

Jester Competition
Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1RQ

The closing date for applications is Monday 16th March. The short listed contestants will be announced on 1st April, known at the Castle as Tom Fool’s day, when the current Jester A.J James will also be inducted into the National Guild of Jesters at the Castle’s annual Feast of Fools.

For further information visit Muncaster.co.uk.