The annual Maryland Renaissance Festival is held in Crownsville, a charming town just north of Annapolis. This year’s is set in the village of Revel Grove in 1526, and each year has a theme. This is King Henry VIII with his court, and the theme is the intrigue over whether Lady Anne Boleyn will be the King’s next bride. Everything is in period, and one gets used to being addressed as "milord".
The Shakespeare Skum do a takeoff of Romeo and Juliet on the Globe Theatre stage (one of several in the village). Here’s Juliet and friend.
The jousting events are very popular. Here the knights come out for the initial presentation, to be introduced to the crowd and the royal party, and also to receive the blessing and colours from their favorite.
The events begin, with the royal party observing.
Lances, on horseback. Other weapons used in the contest include swords, axes and clubs.
Juggling lessons. There are also knife and axe throwing events, sword swallowers (for real!), magicians, and others who populate the multiple stages.
Dancing to lively medieval music
The young ladies of the village dress in period style, a boon to any admirer of feminine pulchritude.