Costumes, Banquets, and Castle Magic

Are you searching for medieval party inspiration? My medieval-themed 30th birthday celebration was a full-scale immersion into the world of kings, knights, queens, monks, and merriment. Hosted inside an authentic medieval family home dating from 1390–1633, complete with its own watchtower and turret room, the party became a true journey back to the Middle Ages. With historical costumes, a grand medieval banquet, fire torches, tapestries, and an antique sword cake-cutting ceremony, this event blended fantasy, history, and unforgettable festivities.

From Kings and Knights to Jesters and Witches

The night began with a procession of spectacular medieval costumes, each guest fully embracing their chosen role from the feudal world. We had; Kings, knights, and queens draped in velvets and faux fur. Monks with rope belts, bells, and even a realistic tonsure wig. Wizards, damsels, peasants, witches, and jesters, bringing medieval village life to the hall.

One standout moment was my sister’s incredible outfit—a breathtaking antique Edwardian theatre dress, styled with a modern twist and channeling Chappell Roan energy. The blend of historic elegance and medieval fantasy made her look like she had stepped straight out of the royal court.

My best friend also stole the show with her hand-sewn black and white jester costume, complete with a perfectly crafted jester hat and tailored jacket. The craftsmanship alone deserved a royal seal of approval.

A Medieval Banquet Worthy of a Great Hall

What’s a medieval feast without a groaning banquet table?

We served a hearty, rustic spread reminiscent of a feast in a medieval great hall, including, meats and cheeses sourced from a local farm shop, traditional steak & ale pie, warming chilli for our hungry villagers. Washed down with Goblets brimming with honey mead, ale, Bollinger, and a spiced medieval winter punch.

The star of the food spread was the dessert tables where there was a trio of sweet indulgences, a two-tiered burgundy medieval iced birthday cake, and two additional cakes for good measure.

Medieval Decorations: Tapestries, Torches & Tower Magic

To transform the historic venue into a vibrant medieval great hall, we filled the space with rich period-inspired details including figs, pomegranates, and grape clusters for an authentic banquet look. Luxurious velvets, faux fur throws, and trailing ivy covered the tables and seating, lit by antique altar candlestick holders flickering with warm candlelight. There was medieval banners and crest bunting draped along wooden beams and fire torches lining the entrance, creating a dramatic castle-court arrival.

The Sword & the Cake: A Birthday Moment to Remember

Perhaps the most medieval moment of all was the ceremonial cake cutting. Standing before the 18-inch tall birthday cake, I was presented with an antique sword by a loyal knight. With laughter, cheers, and a very careful grip, I sliced through the cake (a little bit wonky) like a true medieval warrior. It was a moment that captured the spirit of the whole event: dramatic, joyful, and wonderfully theatrical!

From handcrafted costumes and monastery bells to royal décor and feasting like nobles, my medieval 30th birthday party transported every friend into a world of chivalry and enchantment. If you’re planning your own medieval party, castle banquet, or Renaissance-style celebration, take inspiration from the magic of historical costumes, atmospheric decorations, and hearty old-world food.

It was a night where the medieval era came back to life, full of laughter, lore, and legendary memories, and surrounded by all of my nearest and dearest!