Medieval merriment at Perth Racecourse
The countdown has begun for what promises to be the highlight of Perth Racecourse’s racing calendar.
The Perth 800 Raceday, which takes place on Saturday 21st August, will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Burgh Charter to Perth by King William the Lion of Scotland in 1210.
An exciting and ambitious programme has been prepared for the Perth 800 Raceday, including themed historic activities centred on life in Perthshire as it was in 1210. To mark the occasion, King William the Lion and Queen Ermengarde will be arriving in a splendid carriage drawn by four locally stabled carriage horses.
Britain’s premier medieval jousting stunt team, the Knights of the Damned, will be a star attraction when they perform their adrenaline-fuelled display. With a costumed performance, the jousting team will capture the crowd’s imagination and transport them to a bygone era with their re-enactment of King William 1st presenting the Royal Charter to Perth.
In addition, the Knights of the Damned will also feature heroic mounted knights and their squires honing their skills with a series of exciting and breathtaking stunts incorporating choreographed foot fights with swords, flaming fireballs and unyielding quarterstaffs. The high speed action, which is combined with professional commentary and music, guarantees to provide a fantastic colourful spectacle that will leave visitors breathless.
Perth Racecourse’s General Manager, Sam Morshead, comments, “This event is creating an incredible buzz in both the local area and further afield. Here at Perth Racecourse, we await the big day with excited anticipation. With such a very special and memorable fixture, it looks as if we are going to mark the Perth 800 celebrations in style. I hope everyone gets involved and enjoys this prestigious occasion and the range of events that have been lined-up.“
In addition to the jousting displays, visitors to the award winning racecourse will be able to enjoy a full day of competitive racing from top UK jockeys and horses as well as numerous entertaining and informative displays including falconry demonstrations, live music, a local school display demonstrating their Perth 800 activities and many more yet to be confirmed.
To encourage visitors to get into the spirit, racegoers – both young and old - are invited to don their knightly armour or medieval princess attire to be in with the chance of winning a prize for the most suitably dressed 13th century racegoer. Prizes will be awarded to the best male, best female, best child and best family.
Following the day’s racing and activities, entertainment will continue with a live performance from a Jon Bon Jovi Tribute band. With a repertoire of favourite hits including It’s My Life, Living on a Prayer, Always, Keep The Faith and many more, the live entertainment will keep guests entertained into the evening.
The Perth 800 Race Day will be supporting The Balcraig Foundation and its projects in Kenya that currently help 1700 children.
Gates Open at 12noon. Last orders 7.30pm. Cost £20 (concessions £15). Children under 18 are free.
For further details on the above event or to book, visit: perth-races.co.uk
