Long before the many-screened multiplexes, people saw films in a 'Picture Palace'. These venues were ornate cinemas with one big screen and usually with multi-level seating. The advent of television and the need to show more films more often saw the end of these wonderful venues. Foxton's MAVtech Museum (located in Coronation Hall) is a picture palace and it still has its 'dress circle' seating.

What could be more palatial than having a medieval herald make an announcement? This slide was shown right before the slides (or short reels) advertising upcoming films (known back then as 'coming attractions')

The subjects listening to their “Queen” at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

“Queen” Katie Miles addresses her subjects at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Court Jester Bill Rushworth being manhandled to the stocks at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Alan Smith the Court Jester at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

A jouster with a toffee apple at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

The magic merry-go-round at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Knights in battle at Manakau Medieval Market on 12 February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Little knights need to eat, at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12 February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Knights in armour at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12 February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Knights in armour at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12 February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

“Queen” Katie Miles at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12 February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Knights taking part in a sword fight at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

“Queen” Katie Miles holds court, while Mayor Tom Robinson and Dennis Cole have a conversation at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000.

L to R (costumed characters): Phillippa Martin, Katie Miles, Dennis Cole and Mayor Tom Robinson.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Let the Music begin – musicians at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Two wenches at the Manakau Medieval Market on 12th February 2000.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”