Competitors prepare for the event

The event at Scone Palace is the fifth IMCF world championship. The first was held in Belmonte, Spain, the second in Malbork, Poland, the third in Montemor-o-velho, Portugal, and the fourth in Spøttrup, Denmark

Participants engage in combat. Referees have the right to ban any weapons that pose a distinct threat to the safety of opponents

Knights on horseback lead a procession. An average suit of armour will weigh between 20kg and 35kg

Individuals battle in three different one-on-one competitions, while national teams face off in four melee categories

A participant enjoys a quiet moment – not everyone wants to fight to the death

All armour worn by competitors must match historical examples from effigies, art or existing pieces. All materials must be accurate to the historic period. Modern materials such as plastic are not allowed

Scone Palace forms an appropriate backdrop for the events

Safety precautions regarding the edge thickness of weapons, as well as radius of points and striking surfaces are rigorously checked by officials to ensure that the competition is as accurate as can be achieved without allowing it to become deadly for the participants

In the one-on-one competition each fight has three 60-second rounds, with a 60-second rest between rounds. The victor is determined by the number of legal strikes, disarms, and falls, as counted by the referees. There are three different competitions, and each features both male and female competitors in separate categories

The melee competition seeks to recreate mass battles. The object is to knock an opponent to the ground, or force them to submit in a best of three format. There are very few rules, as is evidenced by the brutality of the fighting

Competitors find time for a selfie

A young enthusiast

The IMCF has 24 member nations, including Austria, Belgium, Australia, England, Japan, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Sweden and the USA