Blenheim Palace will host its annual Jousting Tournament on the South Lawn from May 2 to 4, featuring live jousting, archery, falconry, and interactive family activities.

Organisers promise a “spectacular celebration of history, bravery and medieval entertainment,” set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A spokesman for Blenheim Palace said: “Set on Blenheim Palace’s South Lawn, the event features live jousting, costumed performers and storytelling as knights compete in a series of tournaments.

“Entry to the Jousting Tournament is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or valid Pass, which also grants access to Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, offering excellent value for families looking to enjoy all that Britain’s Greatest Palace has to offer.”

Throughout each day, guests can enjoy falconry displays, jester performances, and combat demonstrations.

Children will also get the chance to meet Smokey the Dragon.

As part of its commitment to accessibility, Blenheim Palace will offer disabled parking near the event site.

However, dogs are not permitted at the tournament.

Visitors are advised to take precautions against Blandford flies, which may be present on the South Lawn during May.

Suggested measures include wearing ankle-covering socks and using insect repellent, especially near water.

Villagers in West Hagbourne, near Didcot, created model dragons as part of an annual St George’s Day tradition.

This tradition, which started in 2009, involves villagers crafting varied, imaginative dragons from materials like papier-mâché, wire, and paper, and placing them throughout the village – with many featuring in residents’ gardens.

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Over the years the event has been organised by the West Hagbourne Village Association, and is designed to celebrate St George’s Day and encourage community involvement.

Hazel and Robert Griffiths with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

While Justine Thompson chose a table tennis theme, Dan Tozer’s design referenced learner drivers.

St George’s Day, celebrated annually on April 23, is the feast day of Saint George, the patron saint of England, marking his death in 303 AD.

Rosie Gardener with her dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Emily, Oliver and Maureen Hall with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Dan Tozer with his dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

It is celebrated with parades, flags, and traditional food, although it is not a bank holiday.

In the run-up to this year’s St George’s Day, flags showing the Cross of St George and the Union Flag have been placed on lampposts across the county by Raise The Colours: Oxfordshire, a voluntary group.

The county council has issued a legal notice in a bid to ban the placing of the flags on lampposts and council staff have removed some of them.

All 12 group matches involving England, Scotland and Ireland will be shown on specific services.

Additionally, the semi-finals and final won’t have a paywall for those interested in watching.

The tournament, which is being hosted in England and Wales, will begin on Friday, June 12.

New Zealand won the last T20 World Cup back in 2024 and will be looking to retain their title, while England will be looking for their first success since 2009.

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All of England, Scotland and Ireland’s group games will be available to watch without subscription via the Sky Sports App.

Meanwhile, all of England’s group matches, plus Scotland vs Ireland, will be shown free-to-air on Sky Mix, which will also broadcast the final.

Alongside that, the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday, June 12, will be broadcast on Sky One and via Sky Sports’ YouTube channel as well as Sky Sports’ linear channels.

Those who are subscribed to Sky Sports and NOW will be able to watch every game live.

Jonathan Licht, Sky’s chief sports officer UK & Ireland, said: “We believe this summer can be a defining moment for women’s cricket.

“By making many of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches available to everyone, we can reach new audiences, build fandom and inspire the next generation.

“At Sky Sports, we’re not just broadcasting women’s sport, we’re a partner in its growth, working with the ICC and ECB to make these moments as impactful as possible.”

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Beth Barrett-Wild, tournament director, said: “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring world-class players, incredible performances, and unmissable moments to brilliant venues across England and Wales, and we couldn’t be happier that even more people will be able to experience the spectacle live via this extensive Sky Sports coverage plan.

“With many of the biggest matches, including the opener at Edgbaston on 12 June and the Final at Lord’s on 5 July, available to everybody, the stage is set for an incredible World Cup, where battles will be fought, names will be made and new fans will fall in love with women’s cricket forever.”

Will you be watching the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this summer? Let us know in the comments.