KNIGHTS prepare for battle as Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre nears a live return.

Tickets for the event have gone on sale and are being snapped up by people eager for the return to the Fayre that fires the starting pistol on Christmas.

Fighting knights, expert archers and wise-cracking jesters will be among the entertainment to delight audiences when the annual spectacle that is Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre returns as a live event next month.

Tickets have been selling fast for the Fayre, which resumes as a live show in the grounds of Ludlow Castle on November 27-28, providing its mix of entertainment for all the family as part of the run-up to Christmas.

The live programme for 2021, announced will include returning favourite the Tournament of Knights, which sees fearsome warriors compete before the crowds using sword, mace and quarter-staff, culminating in a Saturday evening fight with fire.

Other highlights include a re-enactment of the Battle of Agincourt which gets the whole audience involved as they re-enact Welsh archers demonstrating their prowess against the French during the famous victory.

The live entertainers include 10-foot puppet Brother Sid, who walks the crowd spreading blessings, storytelling duo BZ Ents, Hand to Mouth theatre telling the hilarious story of Piggery Jokery, jesters James and Tomfool, along with stilts walker and circus skills workshop purveyor Kris Katchit.

More entertainment will be provided by Midlands actor and musician Lucio Gray, historical costume expert The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant.

Confirmation of the programme comes after the first 1,500 tickets sold in record time when bookings opened. Tickets for some entry timeslots are already close to selling out.