Medieval minstrels

There tend to be two kinds of medieval themed events, we can provide minstrels - period musicians - for either.

If you are holding a formal event in a period setting, there are excellent performers who have exactly the correct instruments, play the right tunes and have costumes authentic to the era you want. Sophisticated, elegant and very talented musicians who know their pet subject inside out, and who will be happy to talk about their passion at length. Probably best suited to providing background music, perhaps not so suitable if things get a bit lively. One has a clause in his contract forbidding a set of stocks as a background prop, and allowing him to pack up and leave the moment the first bread roll is thrown. These experts should be accorded the same status as classical musicians, and treated with the same attitude and respect as a concert soloist.

Most of the events we play for however tend to be 'glorified fancy-dress parties'. Guests are coming to have a fun time, and are more concerned with the entertainment, rather than historical accuracy. There is a little game we play called 'Spot the Cavalier'!

In turn, we 'cheat' by also using some instruments from later periods as well so we can add some variety. We can even, dare I say it, provide a sound system for dancing, audience participation and the Master of Ceremonies. Hardly 'Tudor', but great for upping the 'fun' level, and pretty essential for a lively audience going at full pelt.

Entirely your choice, of course. Just say which of the two you want, and we can recommend the best acts for you.

We can also provide minstrels who are also close-up magicians. Having played background music to welcome your guests on their arrival, they can then perform tricks and illusions to delight them later on during the course of the evening. And if you want to make the most of their services, one is also a DJ and the other a fortune teller.