The Minstrel - Medieval Minstrel

Our Elizabethan Minstrel provides high quality music and entertainment on the lute, hurdy gurdy, cittern, English bagpipes and colascione.

In Tudor costume he creates an wonderful atmosphere for any setting, either strolling or static, subtly mixing and mingling with guests to give them a memorable experience. He is recommended at numerous venues nationwide for dinners, weddings and special events. If your theme is Medieval, Tudor, Restoration or Renaissance he can supply appropriate entertainment to a high standard.

Professional since 1984, he is a unique performer and entertainer and has performed and recorded worldwide. Please play the video to see the costumes and instruments whilst listening to the lute.

Unique:

  • For his selection of instruments: there is no other in the UK who uses this combination – some faithful copies of originals, some originals.
  • For the quality of his costumes: all exquisitely hand-made in various colours.
  • In his presentation: stylishly strolling, mingling and entertaining with wit and banter in a number of languages.

Professional:

  • In his ability to choose and suggest correct music to suit each event.
  • Experienced in planning events, consulting with clients. liaising with venues, agents and organisers.
  • In his approach to a whole event, either as a soloist or in ensemble.

If you like your musicians to have humour, charm, elegance and above all quality and professionalism, then look no further.

"Bloody 'ell, you really can play that thing!"... Bill Wyman

"I really like your music"... Meatloaf

"Could you sing another [bawdy ballad]" The Duchess of York

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The Minstrel - Medieval Minstrel Repertoire

Musical suggestions for a wedding ceremony

As guests assemble for the ceremony:

  • A selection of gentle lute music

Arrival of Bride:

  • A processional tune with English bagpipes

Signing of the Register:

  • John Johnson’s ‘Delight Pavan & Galliard’ on the lute

Exit of Bride and Groom:

  • A recessional tune with English bagpipes

Whilst photographs are taken:

  • Lively strolling music with the hurdy-gurdy

Musical suggestions for a wedding reception

As guests arrive at the reception venue:

  • Lively strolling music with the hurdy-gurdy

Bride and Groom’s entry for the wedding breakfast:

  • A processional tune with English bagpipes

For the duration of the wedding breakfast:

  • Strolling background music on the lute, cittern and colascione

When speeches begin:

  • End of music

These suggestions are based on previous ceremonies and receptions for which he has performed and he is happy to discuss any individual requirements

The Minstrel - Medieval Minstrel Feedback

“The Medieval Minstrel was excellent! He was very easy to work with in the lead up to the wedding and he took our requests on board regarding his costume and our choice of music. On the day he was a perfect accompaniment to our ceremony, the music was beautiful and many of the guests commented afterwards on how much they enjoyed it. Then during the cocktail hour he interacted with our guests and entertained them wonderfully. We could not have been happier! ”

Elle, , none (August 2019)

“You made the day, everybody said that without you we would have lacked authenticity and magic. Thank you so much, you were a delight. ”

K. Delahaye, Hever Castle, Kent, Wedding (December, 2017)

“Thank you for maaking our wedding day so special - you really added a unique magic. Everyone felt it brought the whole day alive. ”

Rowanne West, Talbot Hotel, Oundle, Wedding (February, 2017)

“You were pivotal in making the banquet such an amazing success. Well done ”

Sue Fardoe, Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick, Historic Banquet (November, 2017)

“I hired your minstrel to perform at my wedding a few years ago and I can not speak highly enough of his work. He really helped make the day one to remember! Everybody spoke highly of him and he did a fantastic job of entertaining the guests throughout the day and also during dinner. I would recommend him as an extremely charismatic and fun addition to any event. ”

T. Sheed, Hedingham Castle, Essex, Wedding (August, 2017)

“Hired your minstrel for our wedding at Yaxley Hall, Suffolk. He is unique; and a charismatic and talented musician. Providing both formal accompaniment to the ceremony and informal entertainment for our guests afterwards and always attentive to the requirements and sensitivities of his audience. If you're looking for something different, to keep your guests talking long after the event, he's the man. ”

R. Marks, Yaxley Hall, Suffolk, Wedding (September, 2017)

“Completely and utterly brilliant! He set the scene and added to the atmosphere of this old, quirky and historical setting we had for our son and daughter-in-law's wedding. From the minute we booked him, he was reassuringly professional and did everything he could to make the day the success it was. His performance goes beyond his clear talent _ his charm and wit merely added to the overall enjoyment felt by all our guests. They truly did not stop talking about how fabulous he was. Different costumes, different instruments all kept the interest from beginning to end. Truly, we can not thank you enough. ”

Mrs. S. Berwick, Beverley, East Yorkshire, Wedding Reception (June, 2017)

The Minstrel - Medieval Minstrel Videos