Picture the scene of Queen Elizabeth's court during the Yuletide season. As you approach the Great Hall, you see guests, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Queen and her court, seated at tables bedecked with red linen, candles, and greenery. You hear resounding trumpets as Elizabeth enters, followed by the majestic procession of the lordes and ladies of the court. You join the many guests in toasting the new year with a delightful cup of wassail.

Imagine being amused by the minstrels, magician, and court jester as you feaste upon the delicious meal. Music and gaiety follow your dining, much to the delight of the Queen. This beautiful evening can only be completed with a magnificent court recessional, which makes its way from the Great Hall.

The first fanfare is sounded
Reading of the proclamation by the Lorde of the Feaste (Dr. Jessie) and Procession of the Queen and her Court (Madrigal Singers)
Music: William Byrd's "Mounsiers Almaine" by harpsichord, cello, and recorders
Music: 'Tis The Season by voices and instruments

The second fanfare is sounded
Procession of the wassail by pages
Music: Here We Come A-Wassailing by voices
A Holiday Toast (all rise)
Announcement for Court Dances

Branle Simple -- performed by lordes and ladies, accompanied by instruments, and repeated with members of the audience
Branle Double -- performed by lordes and ladies, accompanied by instruments, and repeated with members of the audience
Joan Sanderson (traditional Tudor Kissing Game), a cappella
Branle Official -- performed by lordes and ladies, accompanied by instruments

The third fanfare is sounded
Procession of the boar's head by pages
Music: Boar's Head Carol
Dinner is served; lordes and ladies sing and minstrel at tables; the magician performs at tables

The fourth fanfare is sounded
Procession of the flaming Christmas pudding by pages
Music: Flaming Pudding (tune of Here We Come A-Wassailing)
Dessert is served; more minstrelling and magic takes place

The fifth fanfare is sounded
The lordes and ladies assemble at the head table for the concert
*Every year presents a new repertoire of music
The lordes and ladies recess to the music of Henry VIII's "Pastime With Good Companye", played by the court musicians
Reading of the farewell message by the Lorde of the Feaste
Music: God Bless Your Kin (tune of Here We Come A-Wassailing)

Singing of Christmas carols in the foyer

In December 1996, the Elyria High School Madrigal Singers started a tradition of putting on several Renaissance Feastes in replication of those done during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. In 1996, two feastes were held at the Castle Restaurant in Lorain and two larger ones were held at DeLuca's Place in the Park. In 1997, three consecutive feastes were performed at DeLuca's. We also had the pleasure of having the Case Western Reserve University Recorder Consort accompany us along with the harpsichord and cello that year.

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