Castle starts search for a new jester

Muncaster Castle is looking for a new jester. Home to the original Tom Fool, it is believed to be the only Castle in Europe that appoints a modern day jester.

The International Jester Tournament to find a new honorary Fool will be the centrepiece of Britain's first Festival of Fools from 29th May to 2nd June 2006, which is being sponsored by Jennings Brewery.

The winning jester will receive a crate of Jennings Cumberland Ale every month for a year and will be paid to make a number of appearances at the castle over the year.

Last years winner, Jem Famous, wowed the crowds with a performance that included juggling knives on a seven foot uni-cycle. He will compere the competition to appoint a sucessor.

He says "It's been an amazing year, being able to go round acting like a fool and getting paid for it. I've had a lot of fun and I'm sure there are plenty of other people who would love the prestige of being honorary jester at the home of Tom Fool."

Anyone who wants to take part in the competition will need to be able to use their skills to keep a crowd thoroughly entertained for at least 15 minutes. As well as juggling, previous contestants have used a mix of comedy, acrobatics, and magic.

Tom Fool was the Pennington family jester in the sixteenth century. The family have lived at Muncaster Castle for nearly 800 years.

Peter Frost-Pennington says: "We've really enjoyed having a Fool again. Last year's competition was so popular that we decided to go one better this time and have a full week of Tom Foolery. We're the only Castle with a jester and now we will be playing host to the country's only Festival of Fools!"

Specially selected madcap entertainers from all over the country will be performing at the Castle every day during the week. There will be jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers and much more. They include The Amazing Mr Smith, who specialises in mad musical inventions, Jonathan the Jester from the National Guild of Jesters, and Maynard Flip Flap, a contemporary clown.

Gaynor Green from Cumbrian Brewery Jennings says: "we are delighted to be sponsoring what promises to be an exciting and vibrant event. We are strongly committed to supporting events in Cumbria and we think it is about time that Britain had an event to celebrate the art of the jester!"

The international Festival of Fools is also supported by Rural Regeneration Cumbria.

Anyone wanting to take part in the competition should apply in writing with details about their relevant skills and any previous experience. A maximum of six applicants will be invited to take part in the contest. Contestants must be over 18 years of age.

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