St. George's Knight Tournament 2023 (Photo Report)

The last time I attended this tournament was in 2019, and it, unlike the tournaments of 2017-18, left an unfavorable impression, primarily due to the lack of stands: there wasn't much to see because of the backs of the jostling crowd.

In 2021 and 2022, there was no tournament due to known events (perhaps the knights were unwell); Kolomenskoye was deserted...

And now this autumn - finally! Although not in Kolomenskoye but under the roof of the Live Arena, which certainly diminishes the medieval atmosphere, but still. I attended the first day of the tournament; I present to your attention a brief photo report.

The audience is no less than in Kolomenskoye. Yet, outdoors there was better! However, there's nothing to do in the hall, let's go to the foyer.

The audience is entertained with music.

Peaceful shoes. Combat ones are with the blacksmiths!

This is how swords are made.

Blade honing. (Removing thin shavings for leveling.)

Beware, men - ladies have armed themselves!

The guard discovered a thief: got off easy, just being chased away.

Those willing could discover what it feels like to get enough flour for baking at least one bun this way.

An appetizing loaf of bread lies… But you aren't allowed to try it!

But in Kolomenskoye, sandwiches with lard were sold. Mmm-mmm.

There, you could taste a soup cooked from an old recipe and technology, try meat from a whole roasted carcass. But how to light a fire under the hall's roof?

There are few fighters so far, but the audience is still interested: not every day do you see such a thing!

Warm-up - only four duelists.

Not 'children's games': a two-meter poleaxe swung full force to the head, sparks flying.

Warriors who've been through dozens of battles: long helmet wearing leaves its marks…

What made you think modern warriors would follow the old ways in everything? Why climb a regular staircase when there is an escalator! They are heading to the hall, let's follow them.

Knights and tournament organizers.

The counter-strike of the spear was shockingly terrifying: the knight indeed fell from the saddle. What a start to the collisions!

They ride at such speed that the camera can't keep up, the image lags behind!

Ladies watched the battles and gave some knights an extra chance.

Aiming precisely and… bonus point scored!

While the knights rested, the infantry went on the attack.

The "Reds" won! Could it have been otherwise?

None of the "enemies" managed to catch up with this standard-bearer.

Oh, the knights: they 'dropped' the only girl along with her horse!

Ladies descended to the knights to express admiration for some of them.

It's nice to dismount and receive recognition from the ladies in the form of a bouquet! But try to get back in the saddle when you have fifty kilograms of iron on you!

Unfortunately, there were no demonstrations of individual mastery, as there were outdoors in Kolomenskoye - under the roof of the Live Arena, there were none…

...nor was there a chance to see your 'hero' up close and get an autograph.

The best photos of the most interesting moments of the tournament can be seen here:

Well, let's hope that in 2024 the tournament will return to its original place, in Kolomenskoye. Good luck to you all!