GAME of Thrones is back on our TV screens and at Arundel Castle you can go and get a taste of medieval life in the flesh.

A jousting and medieval tournament will take place from Tuesday until Sunday featuring jousters from across the world.

A spokesman said: “The lances are designed to splinter which gives a great action shot.

“The aim is to splinter the lance, not to hurt jousters, the riders are not out for the kill.”

Those hoping for the gore of Game of Thrones may be left a little disappointed but this is still a fierce and serious competition.

Stacy Van Dolah Evans, a competitor in the tournament, said: “The event is the Wimbledon of jousting.”

Challengers from across the globe will converge at the castle hoping to be crowned champion of this year’s illustrious jousting contest.

There will be eight participants representing four countries - England, France, Norway and Poland.

In addition to team combat there will be an individual tourney for induction into the Order of Arundel which is the highest honour a jouster can receive in the UK.

Mr Van Dolah Evans said: “Jousting is a psychological rollercoaster where your only defence is your armour when galloping towards your opponent at 25mph all you can focus on is hitting them.”

Competitors are not just male, there will be some females representing their countries and aiming for victory.

He said: “There is no gender inequality in jousting.

“Participation is based on your skill as a rider which is the same for all equestrian sports.”

The horses involved have been trained to be ridden in jousts and the riders will have to use their wits as well as their brawn when navigating the lists with their lances.

Spectators will also be able to witness gruelling hand-to-hand combat challenges, ancient cookery demonstrations, storytelling and can even pick up a bow and arrow and have a go at archery.

There are some famous horses competing, having appeared on shows such as Victoria, Poldark and Peaky Blinders.

Horse master Mark Atkinson will be on hand to ensure the horses are well looked after, the horses are really important to the event and so their welfare is paramount.

Tickets are available from the Arundel Castle website or from the main ticket office on the day.