"Wicked wenches and men in tights!" That's the theme for Saturday's (February 13th) Medieval Markets, to be held at Levin's showgrounds.

A crowd of about 30 thousand fans (and the curious) is expected to watch the jousting, enjoy feasting "medieval style" and, if they wish, dress in ancient costumes. The event is run each year for charity, and this year one of the main beneficiaries will be Horowhenua Adult Literacy. Manager Michael Dally says even television gets in on the act, with some of the news coverage going right around the world.

"We are delighted to be chosen for funding out of the profits," says Michael, "and, as we help local adults improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills, all the funding we receive will be used to help local people get jobs, read to their children or perhaps pass their driver tests".

Nationwide, 43% of the adult population suffers with some sort of literacy and/or numeracy problem.