CROWDS flocked to a Medieval Fayre in Winterbourne last Sunday to spend a day immersed in the 14th Century.

Visitors of all ages were entertained with live medieval songs, dance music, and a colourful procession led by "Blanche de Bradstone", who rode into the fayre on her horse.

Living history group the Company of Chivalry set up camp and showed visitors how people lived in the mid-1300s, with demonstrations of crafts and trades, cooking, make-up and clothing, military combat and falconry.

Youngsters learnt how to be a soldier, tested out a trebuchet and enjoyed jousting and dancing.

The event was held in Winterbourne’s Medieval Barn, which is currently facing a considerable restoration project.

The barn’s trust have recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to save the barn, and hope to raise £7,500 by Saturday, July 22 with all donations made before that date being doubled by innovation foundation NESTA and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Although the oldest part of the barn has been rescued, some of the attached buildings have collapsed or are deemed unsafe, and so major funding is required to repair these and bring them back into community use.

Louise Harrison, from the trustees, urges people to chip in to help save the barn.

“The crowdfunding appeal is to pay for educational equipment to support school visits," she said.

"It is absolutely essential that this £7,500 target is reached quickly for the Trust to have a realistic chance of getting a larger grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund at the end of the year.

“Without that funding, the future of the medieval barn is in jeopardy.”

Donations to save the barn can be made online at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/winterbourne.