Medieval delights for Jigsaw fundraiser

Guests get in to the medieval spirit at the Medieval Feast on Saturday night. Photo by Albert Sword.

Guests at Jigsaw Whanganui's Medieval Feast were treated to a lavish banquet and medieval entertainment on Saturday night.

The Wanganui Darts League hall on Heads Rd was transformed into a medieval hall to welcome the 145 guests.

The feast was a fundraiser for social services agency Jigsaw, and executive officer Tim Metcalfe said it was a great success.

"All up we raised $21,000, and we're very grateful for that. That money will go towards Jigsaw's home-based social work service," Mr Metcalfe said.

He said feedback from the guests had been "overwhelming".

"They appreciated the very lavish medieval style. We had more than 70 volunteers working to make the event happen, and we're very humbled by that."

Guests were welcomed by the King and Queen - Nicky van der Bergh and Karen Lithgow - and the King's Squire, Jacob Stringer, and Court Crier Graham Dack.

Local designer Terry Lobb led a team of decorators in providing the decor; while a team of chefs led by Gina Guigou prepared a five-course medieval banquet.

The was medieval music and dancing from a local medieval dance troupe.

"We also had a jester performing, so it was very interactive and there was a lot of laughter," Mr Metcalfe said.

A charity auction at the end of the night raised more than $10,000.