The Queen's Visit to the Shire

The Queen's Visit to the Shire:
Become Part of the Story

Every year, Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth progresses from Windsor Castle to our little Shire of Mount Hope. The villagers have worked night and day to prepare for this momentous occasion. Who knows what drama awaits the Shire. Word has it that a Dignitary from the Grand Prince of Moscow is on his way. Could it be a gift for the Queen? A Message? Mayhaps even a trap. Only you can find out when you enter the Grand Gates of the Shire and the the magic of the 28th Annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

Opening Day Ceremonies

All the preparations are complete for the arrival of Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. The townsfolk have worked very hard for this Her yearly progress to the Shire. Meet the Mayor, Sheriff and other notables as they fret, quibble and worry over the coming of the Queen and other surprises that may happen as the day begins!

At the Front Gate

Boons & Favors

The peasants of the Shire have gathered at the Piazza della Rosa with boons and favors for Her Most Royal Majesty as She proceeds to the day's business at Queen's Court. Mayhap you may get an audience with the Queen Herself.

Boons & Favors

Queen's Court

Start your day off on the Shire of Mount Hope with an audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Her Court and the Villagers of Mount Hope. The events of the day unravel here at Queen's Court when the epic story of the day unfolds!

Queens Court 2006

The Tournament Joust

Experience an amazing display of daring do wherein dashing knights compete on noble steeds in tests of skill, speed, and strength. Choose your hero and cheer him on to victory!

The Tournament Joust

Human Chess Match

Tumultuous cheers once again fill the air as human chess pieces mount the life-sized board and take to their squares. Suddenly, the gauntlet is cast and the challenges of wit and brawn commence!

Chess

Knighting Ceremony

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth and Her Court gather at Sir Jacob's Garden Stage to install and elevate all those would-be knights and ladies of the Realm into the ancient and honorable order of Knighthood and Ladyship. Art thou worthy?

Knighting Ceremony

The Ultimate Joust

Against the backdrop of all the color, pageantry, pomp and circumstance that an entire town can muster, it had been decreed that the crash of lances shall decide the fate of England's Monarchy this very day. Witness this tour d'force of lance, shield and ultimate equestrian skill.

The Ultimate Joust

Finale in Song

Just when you thought we couldn't pack any more entertainment into your day at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, this end of the day extravaganza is truly a spectacle of music, merriement and a most fitting celebration of song, dance and unexpected revelry with the entire cast of the Faire creating an unforgettable conclusion to your glorious festival day.

Finale in Song

Click play below to see a special back stage tour of the 2007 Finale in Song.