THOUSANDS of locals flocked to a medieval-themed event over the weekend - and the organiser is hoping the show will continue to get ‘bigger and better.

Medieval Mayhem took place at Monk Bretton Priory for the fifth time over the weekend.

It included knight battles, birds of prey, a puppet theatre, musicians - and even a fire show.

It’s the first time the event has been ticketed due to rising costs after there were concerns about the viability of the event, but organiser Victoria Agnew told the Chronicle a date has already been set for next year.

She said: “It went really well especially considering it was the first one that we’ve charged for.

“We have about 4,000 people attend over the two days and people were saying when they were leaving that £5 was a bargain.

“It costs us £3,000 in insurance and £6,000 for the event itself.

“We’ve managed to cover it by the gate money which is great because I was worried the fee would put people off.”

And Victoria’s encouraging more people to get involved at next year’s event which is due to take place on May 16 and 17.

She added: “We had a supporter’s ticket this year which basically encouraged people to help out.

“We’d like to push that again next year.

“The money we received this year meant we were able to book a fire show quite late notice.

“The more we’re able to raise then the more we’re able to do.

“We want next year’s to be bigger and better than ever.”