Muncaster Castle was home to the original Tom Fool and the Festival, which is sponsored by Jennings Cumberland Ale, is the Castle's annual celebration of all things foolish.

The culmination of the Festival is the International Jester Tournament on Thursday, May 29 when a new Fool of Muncaster is appointed. Six entertainers will be competing for the prestigious title, using a mad mix of comedy, juggling, fire eating and magic.

The event will be compered by last year's winner, American entertainer Paul Garbanzo. The prize for the winning jester includes a crate of Cumberland Ale every month for a year.

On the evening of Saturday, May 24 the festival gets underway with a Comedy Cabaret evening with performances by comedians, jugglers and musicians.

From Sunday, May 25 until Wednesday, May 28 there will be a packed daytime schedule of entertainment in the castle's gardens. This will include performances by some of Europe's wackiest entertainers, as well as walkabouts by comedians, magicians and musicians.

The performers include Robert Blake from Holland who has been the Dutch Street Magic Champion three years in a row. He will be wowing the crowds with his hilarious Cowboy Magic Show.

Washing machines that play music, disco dancing with sink plungers and the legendary Ironing Board of Death all feature in the one man kaleidoscope of circus, music and comedy from Circus Fudge.

Danny Zapparelli's amazing performance features fireworks, circus skills, magic, comedy and audience participation, climaxing in a daring and spectacular display of fire juggling on a ten foot unicycle.

There will also be a host of other entertainment including Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, a Pirate ship inflatable, a Space Ball and a variety of stalls.

Normal entry prices for Muncaster apply during the Festival. Adults £7.50; children aged 5-15 years £5.50; family tickets (two adults and two children) £24.

Entry to the castle costs an extra £2.50 per adult; £1.50 per child and £5 per family ticket (two adults and two children). For more information visit www.muncaster.co.uk.