SWASHBUCKLING duels between knights in armour, soaring Mediaeval Baebes harmonies, a banquet fit for a king, and a packed programme of festive entertainment drew large crowds to Dunster as the village celebrated its new winter festival in style.

It was the second year of the festival, which was all but wiped out in 2024 when Storm Darragh struck on the same weekend.

This time, the weather was less rough and the medieval nature of the village provided a spectacular backdrop for three days of events.

Traditional family activities included meeting Santa in the Exmoor National Park Centre, visiting reindeer Rudolf and friends outside Dunster Castle, and enjoying free craft activities organised by Home-Start West Somerset.

In the Tithe Barn, visitors were treated to thrilling interactive medieval re-enactments, with children having an opportunity to ‘train’ with real knights in armour, which proved to be one of the weekend’s most popular attractions thanks to re-enactors from Wessex Medieval Alliance, Historic England Martial Arts, and Bowlore.

Throughout the weekend, there were performances from a range of local artists and bands.

Sunday’s finale saw the Mediaeval Baebes lead a torch-lit procession through the village, accompanied by knights, ladies, and ‘Bo’ the jousting horse, before delivering a closing performance in St George’s Church.

Festival director David Noad said: “It has been a real privilege to help create this festival, a genuine community effort that brought together local groups, volunteers, organisations, and villagers.

“The winter festival has brought much-needed Christmas cheer while raising funds to support the charities and community groups who help care for Dunster’s heritage all year round.”

Last year, despite many of the events being cancelled because of the storm, the festival still managed to raise funds for community projects and £500 was given to Dunster Memorial Hall and £50 to the parish magazine.