Last updated at 13:23, Monday, 02 April 2012

A Lake District castle is searching for a new jester to keep its owners and their visitors happy.

Aspiring jesters will compete for the prestigious job at the International Jester Tournament at Muncaster Castle, which will be held on the final day of the its jubilee festival in June.

The winning jester will receive a crate of Jennings Cumberland Ale every month for a year as well as the prestigious title Fool of Muncaster.

Muncaster is home to the original Tom Fool and is the only castle in the world believed to appoint its own modern-day jester.

Peter Frost-Pennington,whose family lives in the castle, said: “We’ve had some fabulous fools entertaining us in the past, but especially in Jubilee year, we’d love to see more funny and fearless females apply.

“The annual jester contest has become one of the highlights of the Muncaster calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“This year promises to be even bigger and brighter than ever and will form part of our fun-packed Jubilee Festival.”

The Carlisle-based Olly Alcock Band will headline a fundraising concert on the castle’s front lawns as part of the five-day celebrations to mark the Queens 60 years on the throne. The festival will culminate with the International Jesters Tournament on June 7.

Last year’s winner, Witty Look from Japan, scooped the prize thanks to their comedy extreme unicycling. The duo will be flying in from the Far East to hand over the crown.

Entrants should apply in writing with details about their relevant skills and any previous experience.

First published at 11:29, Monday, 02 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk