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Gloucester armoured combat tournament in pictures

News imageDave Polier Four people wrestling in medieval-style armour and with swords in hand. Two are in green and red and another two are in red and black clothing with large metal helmets and slatted visorsDave Polier
All of Gloucester's buhurt teams tasted some success in the competition

Eleven men's teams and four women's teams took part in Gloucester's first armoured combat, or buhurt, tournament on Saturday.

Dubbed the Severnside Clash, Armoured Combat Gloucester invited teams from all over the country to compete. Gloucester men's team captain, Kiran Emery, said the event had "drawn a lot of praise" from spectators and combatants and would return in 2027.

The competition sees teams of five, dressed in full armour and wielding real weapons, battle it out in arena combat. The two Gloucester women's teams, called the Hellions, secured first and second place, while the men's team came third in their class.

Here are some of the best photos from the inaugural event.

News imageDave Polier Two people in red and black clothing, with armour underneath and metal helmets and swords, raising their weapons into the air in victoryDave Polier
The men from Armoured Combat Gloucester finished their home event in third place
News imageDave Polier Ten women smiling for the camera. One is holding a champion's trophy, and all have medals. Some are still wearing clothing reminiscent of medieval combat, but others are wearing modern athletic gear.Dave Polier
The two women's teams, known as The Hellions, finished first and second in their category
News imageDave Polier Combatants wearing three different helmets. One is shorter and broader, with a few square slits for the eyes and some cut-out holes for breathing. The second is a simpler design and slimmer, but with two side eye slits and ventilation. The third is more Viking in style, with a piece of steel descending from the brow to protect the nose, and a cascade of chainmail.Dave Polier
Combatants wore a wide variety of elaborate armour
News imageDave Polier Combatant with an axe about to strike an opponent from behindDave Polier
Sometimes getting behind your opponent is the best policy
News imageDave Polier Weary looking warrier looking into the lens through their helmet, which has a chain mail screen at the frontDave Polier
Some of the bouts were attritional, with many looking and feeling exhausted by the end of a long day

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