The knights are drawing in on Ewell Village and preparing to attend the first great fair of the year where the mysteries of medieval magic and medicine will be brought to life.

The annual Herald of Spring festival, which has been running for 30 years, is returning to Bourne Hall and residents are invited to go and cheer on their chosen knights as they clash for love and honour.

A surgeon will gather his herbs on his way through the fair and, if visitors feel the need for a good purging of blood, he will have fresh leeches from the Hogsmill stream.  If this state-of-the-art medicine fails, visitors could try the fountain of youth. 

Nearby, an alchemist will be loading his cart with crucibles and alembics and visitors will be able to see him turn base metal into gold and describe the mysteries of the stars.

Meanwhile, an unhappy spinster will be charming herself up a husband.

There will a market where visitors will be able to discover the traditional crafts of the Middle Ages where a seamstress, fletcher and other traders will work at their crafts.

Medieval traders and craftsmen will be packing up their wares and braving the muddy tracks and roads of the King’s highway as they begin the journey to the ancient village.

Visitors will be able to write their own magic charm, join in a pilgrimage with the storyteller and take home their own brass rubbing. 

Music, dance and medieval frolics will be in abundance at this event, which is suitable for all the family.

David Brooks, museum assistant, says: “It’s a fun and educational event and we usually have 5 to 6,000 people coming through the doors over the two days.

“Magic and medicine is an interesting theme as it covers all sorts of things from folk beliefs to medicine that actually worked, even if they didn’t know why it worked. 

“The event will be a different snapshot into medieval life.”

Councillor Jan Mason, chairwoman of Epsom Council’s leisure committee, says: “The Herald of Spring festival offers something for all the family.

“This year's event gives visitors a chance to experience new attractions along with all the old medieval favourites.

“We really hope that everyone will come along and get involved in this community event – it promises to be a fantastic day out.”

Herald of Spring: Medieval Magic and Medicine; Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell; 10 am to 5pm on March 2 and 11am to 5pm on March 3; £3 for adults; £2 for OAPs; free entry for under-12s; disabled access on March 3, free park and ride facility available at Nescot College; call 0208 3939571; email bournehall@epsom-ewell.gov.uk; visit www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk