Britain's experts on medieval life will be revealing the tales, tunes, and skills that got us through the Middle Ages at a festival in St Albans next week.

A range of events from medieval music to tricycle jousting will take guests back to 1539. The series of events in St Michael's Church and the Kingsbury Barn from Tuesday, September 17, to Saturday, September -21 will raise money for the maintenance of St Michael's Church.

On Tuesday, September 17, at 7.30pm in St Michael's Church, renowned conductor and founder of The Sixteen Harry Christophers will be giving a talk about his music with excerpts from recordings, and will be interviewed by biographer Sara Mohr-Pietsch.

On Friday, September 20, at 7.30pm in Kingsbury Barn, Sue Macmillan and Hannah McDowall will perform stories of ladies and knights who were the glory and downfall of Camelot. These tales shaped the myths of England and helped craft what it means to be British - you can hear echoes in Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

On Saturday, September 21, from 10am to 8pm, a number of talks, demonstrations and activities will take place in Kingsbury Barn, including:

English Martial Arts demonstration

Oft forgot is that in medieval times, the English had as many techniques and schools of fighting as ever came out of Japan. Terry Brown, Maester of English Martial Arts, will talk about and demonstrate these lost arts and how to use a quarter staff, sword, spear, and bill hook - so you can ward off any uppity hedge.

The Longbow and Medieval War Bow

Bowmaker and historian Pip Bickerstaffe will tell tales of how the longbow dominated the 100 Years War, helped win Crecy and Agincourt, and on the battlefield made the lowly archer feared by the most steeely knight.

How to Draw a Dragon

Conceptual designer and poster artist Chris Achilleos gives you his insights on how to draw and paint the best dragon ever.

Armour from Movies and Television

Terry English recounts designing and making armour for movies and television, including one film with Sean Connery shot on location in St Albans.

The Works of Giants: The Anglo Saxon Experience in Verulamium

A talk featuring Dr Jill Singer, barn restorer and Anglo-Saxon expert, on the life and times of the early medieval. Remembering the fishpools of Fishpool Street before they were drained.

Medieval Dancing

Accompanied by their musicians, The Presence, on period instruments, Herts Early Dance Club will perform and teach romantic dances, playful dances, dances that include mimes, dances with intricate footwork and dances that are just good fun for everyone from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Spicing Up Tudor Life

Learn about spices used by cooks in the 16th century kitchen to make posh pottages or a farmer's supper.

Other events include a medieval-style hog roast with real English ales, tricycle jousting, archery have-a-go, medieval games, raffles, and more.

Advance tickets are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk or at the door on a first-come first-served basis.