Ironclad knights locked in mortal combat, “jousting...

Ironclad knights locked in mortal combat, “jousting to the death” amid lords, ladies and William Shakespeare?

No, you are not watching the late show. It is the sixth annual Long Beach Renaissance Arts Festival at Rainbow Lagoon, Pine Avenue and Shoreline Drive, next Saturday and Sunday.

Knights from the Medieval Times dinner and tournament in Buena Park will demonstrate hand-to-hand combat at noon Saturday. Cannons will sound from across the lagoon as pirates battle at sea and terrorize the festival-goers.

Wandering minstrels, jesters and jugglers, as well as actors and acrobats and a possible guest appearance by Shakespeare, will make up a cast of more than 200 entertainers. All comers are encouraged to join the actors and dress in period attire. There will be a costume contest at 2 p.m. both days.

Craftsmen will display and sell their wares, including woodcarvings, jewelry and leather work. Feasting can be done on roast turkey or shepherd’s pie, accompanied by a pint of ale or other beverages.

Proceeds from the festival will go to the Travelers Aid Society of Long Beach and Orange County. Inspired by the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Aguora, the festival was started in 1985 by the Travelers Aid Society to raise money for the homeless.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under 5 will be admitted free. The price of the ticket is tax-deductible. For more information, call the Travelers Aid Society at 437-0751.