The Magna Carta Fair took place over the two days of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2015, with enthusiastic support from the residents of Walkern and surrounding villages. It was estimated that 900 – 1,100 people attended on each day, totalling around 2000. Also taking part were some 30 guests from Lanvalley.
The Saturday commenced with costumed villagers gathering at the White Lion pub for an early breakfast. The embroidered Tabard, Ceremonial Flag and Great Helm were then carried at the head of a procession to St Mary’s church where a service of dedication took place. After this, the procession walked across the fields to Walkern Hall to become part of the Magna Carta Fair.
Attractions at Walkern Hall included Hautbois Medieval musicians, archery displays by Company be Lanvalei, junior jousting, awards for best children’s costumes, siege engine demonstrations, a living encampment, falconry displays, and medieval themed stalls. A Magna Carta play was put on by the Walkern Players, there was an investiture by the Knights Templar, and the crowd was addressed by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and The Chair of Herts County Council. On the Sunday there was a similar programme, with the formal Twinning Ceremony between Walkern adn the French town of Lanvalley when the Twinning Charter was signed by the French Mayor Bruno Ricard and our own County Councillor Ken Crofton.
The procession to St Mary’s Church
Service of dedication at St Mary’s church
Walking to the Magna Carta Fair
The best children’s costume
Investiture of Aymeric Knights and Dames of the Knights Templar of England
Company de Lanvalei
Jonathan Trower, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, addressing the crowd
The Walkern Players
The twinning of Walkern and Lanvallay
Medieval melees and falconry
