MEDIEVAL sports and games were the main attractions at one of the biggest annual craft fair extravaganzas in the area.

Aldenham Country Park played host to a weekend of themed events aimed at capturing the spirit of Ye Olde England.

The Merrie Olde England Craft Fayre attracted more than 12,000 visitors through its gates over the three-day event.

Combating knights wielded their mighty swords to demonstrate their deadly skill and "have a go" archery was on offer to those looking for amusement.

Falcons and other birds of prey were also on show while singing and acting groups, musicians, strolling minstrels and Robin Hood and his merry men sauntered around the grounds, bringing cheer to craft enthusiasts.

Open air venues are always a gamble for organisers Gay and Victor Nyssen of Four Seasons Events, as the success of the event relies heavily on the weather.

American-born Mr Nyssen used to exhibit crafts all over the US and England before he became an organiser.

He said: "The main reason why my wife and I started organising craft fairs was because we thought we could do it better."

The couple, who used to travel all over the country exhibiting their own ceramic coins, arrange more than 23 craft fairs in a year.

They deliberately miss out June in their events diary because it is notorious for bad weather.

Craft fairs have come a long way since the couple began organising them seven years ago. But nothing could have prepared them for the lessons they had to learn to attain the trouble-free events they are now.

British-born Mrs Nyssen said: "The first craft fair we organised was a disaster.

"We chose Box Hill for the venue and the landowner assured us there was space for thousands of cars.

"Unfortunately, we took his word for it and just before the event we found there were only about 500 spaces.

"The generators that were in each exhibition tent were stolen during the night and the hessian-style fencing around the area blew away."

Today the events Four Seasons organise tell a different story, with sophisticated security and guard dogs to protect the merchandise and tried and tested venues to guarantee there will be no hidden surprises.

Mr Nyssen said: "A big difference between British and American craft fairs is the British prefer to see more craft stalls than events."

Their marquees housed a massive collection of handmade goods.

Demonstrations of bellows-making, rake-making, Raku, a blacksmith and chainsaw carving were also on the menu.

The event also offers people the chance to see delicate jewellery being fashioned from gold, silver and gemstones. Other crafts included hand-painted pottery and toys.

More than 120 exhibitors came from all over the country to take part in this year's event but this is by no means the biggest event of the calender of the Four Seasons team.

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