Maynard Flip Flap now becomes an Honorary Fool of Muncaster and the latest successor to Tom Fool, who was the Castle’s jester more than 400 years ago. Muncaster is believed to be the only Castle in Europe that appoints a modern day jester.
Each of the would be jesters had 15 minutes to show the judges just what they could do. The five contenders tried to win the support of an enthusiastic crowd with madcap performances that included juggling, acrobatics, music, and comedy.
Maynard Flip Flap’s winning performance included balancing shoes on his nose as well as flipping eggs and catching them in a crash helmet.
Maynard Flip Flap said: “Muncaster has an important place in the history of Fools and is a pilgrimage point for many jesters. So I’m very proud to have the won the title of Honorary Fool of Muncaster.”
Maynard Flip Flap celebrated by throwing a bucket of water at a member of the Pennington family, who own the Castle.
He said: “I hadn’t been planning to do it. But as the north of England doesn’t have a drought and so is still somewhere that Fools, jesters and clowns are allowed to throw water it seemed like the right thing to do.
“And after all, Jesters traditionally were given freedoms granted to no one else. They could answer back to people in authority and make fun of almost anyone or anything, normally without fear of punishment. So this really was too good an opportunity.”
As well as his new title Maynard Flip Flap will also receive a crate of Jennings Cumberland Ale courtesy of Jennings Brewery the generous sponsors of the event every month for a year and will have his name inscribed on the trophy, a replica of Tom’s hat carved from a branch of his famous tree.
Patrick Gordon Duff Pennington, who remained dry, was one of the judges along with his grandson Fraser and Geoff Morrey and Gaynor Green from Cumbrian brewery Jennings, who sponsored the event.
He said: “We thought Maynard Flip Flap put in an outstanding performance and well deserves the title Honorary Fool of Muncaster. I’m sure even Tom Fool would have been impressed.”
Geoff Morrey from Jennings said: “We’re delighted that Jennings has been able to support the Festival of Fools. The International Jester Tournament has been a tremendous, action packed event. In fact I think the judges are feeling almost as tired as the competitors.”
The contest was sponsored by Cumbrian brewery Jennings. The losing Fools will at least be able to drown their sorrows, walking away with a consolation prize of one crate of Jennings Cumberland Ale each.