This August, the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds will once again become the centre of attention for fans of the medieval sport of jousting. Over three days, from the 24th to the 26th, the museum will host a thrilling tournament that will see two of Yorkshire’s top jousters compete against the Royal Armouries’ own champions. The stakes are high, as the winner will earn the right to represent the museum at next year’s prestigious International Jousting Tournament.
A Clash of Titans
The tournament will bring together some of the best talent in the country. Stacey Van-Dolah Evans and Simon John, both seasoned jousters, will take on a formidable home team that includes reigning international champion Mike Collin and the rising star, Emma Pearn. These riders will test their skills in six intense bouts of extreme equestrianism, where they’ll charge at each other with 10-foot lances at speeds of up to 30 mph. It promises to be a spectacle of skill, bravery, and precision.
Mike Collin, who secured victory at the 2024 International Jousting Tournament against top competitors from France and Italy, is expected to be a fierce contender. Meanwhile, Emma Pearn, a crowd favourite, will be using this tournament as both preparation and inspiration for an even greater challenge she’ll face later this year.
An Evening of Medieval Revelry
Adding to the excitement, this year’s tournament will feature a special after-hours event on the evening of Saturday, 24 August. The museum will host an evening of medieval music, food, and drink, all set against the backdrop of an Arthurian joust with a unique twist. The Knights of the Round Table will take on mysterious challengers in a performance that blends history with a touch of fantasy.
Guests can look forward to a lively evening filled with fire-eaters, jesters, wizards, and the sounds of bardcore music. To complete the experience, attendees can enjoy authentic medieval mead, making it a night to remember for anyone with a love of history and adventure.
Emma Pearn’s Next Challenge
As the tournament draws to a close, attention will shift to Emma Pearn’s upcoming personal challenge. At the end of September, Emma will take on the daunting task of climbing South Wales’s highest peak, Pen y Fan, dressed in full jousting armour. Her goal is to raise funds for the Royal Armouries Museum, where she began her jousting career in 2021.
Emma is passionate about promoting jousting as a modern and evolving sport. “I want to get more people talking about jousting – not just in a re-enactment or historical sense, but in a sense that this is a modern and inclusive sport,” she explains. Her journey up Pen y Fan is not just a personal challenge but a way to give back to the sport and the museum that have supported her.
This August, the Royal Armouries Museum invites you to witness the drama and excitement of jousting, celebrate its rich history, and support its future. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the sport, this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience.
