The world's medievalists will descend on the University of Leeds from 30 June to 4 July, for the 20th annual International Medieval Congress.
This year, the Congress will focus on the theme of pleasure and around 2,000 delegates will examine all aspects of medieval studies at the event, which culminates in the creation of a Medieval Village in the centre of the University.
The Congress, organised by the Institute for Medieval Studies, is the biggest academic event of its kind in the UK and the largest medieval-themed academic conference in Europe.
Director of the Congress, Axel Muller, said: “Experts from around the world will discuss everything from the pleasure of food, music and literature to sex and spirituality. Although it was many hundreds of years ago, we can learn a lot from this period that is relevant to today’s society.”
The International Medieval Congress, bringing significant investment and tourism to Leeds, has a comprehensive programme of lectures for visitors, as well as several public events including musical performances, food workshops and a lecture on the recent discovery of the skeleton of Richard III in Leicester by the team who found it.
The Medieval Village in University Square on Thursday 4 July will feature a range of activities including historical craft demonstrations such as chain mail production, spinning, textile production, dyeing and even an apothecary.
There will also be samples of medieval food, a falconry display, musicians and a storyteller.
Axel added: “We’re keen to involve the local community in this medieval extravaganza and have organised a myriad of different events for people to come along and join in and experience highlights of medieval culture, craft and cuisine.”
Advanced booking is recommended, but tickets for most events are also available on the door. For further information, including ticket availability, and how to buy tickets online, please visit the International Medieval Congress website.
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