Living History Camping and Living History Competition

Living History Camping

The Living History Camping areas are specifically for those groups or individuals who have authentic medieval camping kit and wish to step back to the middle ages for the entire weekend. There are at least eight large areas set aside for living history camping throughout the estate with space enough for everyone. Don't leave any of your tents and props at home this year! These areas are accessible to the public for viewing.

Please ensure that each attending member is familiar with the 'Camping Rules and Recommendations' detailed below.

Trophies and cash prizes for the top Living History groups & individuals....

Re-eneactment Groups (and individulas) who participate in the Living History Competition are eligible to be rewarded for their extraordinary efforts and enthusiasm for erecting encampments around the magnificent estate of Herstmonceux Castle, as well as their participation in other aspects of the Festival. Cash prizes will be awarded, and bronze cast trophies will bear the names of the winning groups from year to year. (Click here for the Living History Rules)

Prizes will be awarded on the Sunday so the winners can celebrate at the Festival!

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories (Sponsored by the Festival Organisers, the Malcolm Group Events Ltd.):

· Best Living History Encampment UK - five tents and over

· Best Living History Encampment UK - fo ur tents and under

· Best Living History Encampment Overseas

If you wish to take part either as an Individual, Household or Group please complete the on-line 'Group Application Form' and indicate that you will be entering the competition.

Competition Rules:

· A panel of judges will be appointed

· An appropriate medieval sign displaying the group's name must be in full view

· The judges will view the encampments without the knowledge of the entrants to ensure a standard is maintained. They will pay particular interest to authenticity and public appeal

Camping Recommendations:

· Open fires are permissable (unless a situation deems it necessary to ban them during the event). Limited firewood will be available at points around the site. The fires must be off the ground in contained baskets to ensure no damage is caused to the underlying ground.

· Tents must have a distance of no less than 2 metres between them.

· Potential dangers within the encampments i.e. trip hazards (tent pegs), blades and open fires should be roped off.