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Forget talking about skills and experience, in his latest job interview Russel Erwood had to juggle daggers blindfolded and balance a sword on his chin.

The 34-year-old from Conwy has just been appointed as the town’s first official jester for 700 years and has most recently been spotted balancing a flaming barbecue on his head.

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“It became a bit of a running joke,” explained Russel, now known as Erwyd Le Fol, who has worked as an entertainer for the last 15 years.

“I would go into the local shop and they’d say ‘here comes the jester’.”

He makes gold coins disappear, too

Russel was approached by the town’s Chamber of Trade, who suggested creating the position, and he jumped at the chance.

He was appointed at an official ceremony held in the walled town last week, where he was asked to complete a series of challenges.

The jester was required to juggle daggers while wearing a blindfold, make gold coins appear and disappear and balance a sword point down on his chin.

If you'd wondered what a jester actually does:

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Proficient in sword fighting

“We did a lot of research and it was based on a traditional ceremony,” explained Russel.

“There were about 100 people there and they got to decide whether they wanted to keep the fool. The executioner was on hand if not.”

Russel had to promise to protect the town and his job description states he must be proficient in sword fighting, so he has been taking evening classes.

“Luckily I haven’t had any injuries, but we’re using real swords made from solid steel,” he said. “I’m pretty good with long swords and sabres now.”

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The entertainer, who originally studied to be a journalist, wears a red and yellow tunic with blue hose, based on the region’s traditional flag.

His costume was made in Glastonbury, using medieval materials and techniques.

“We searched Britain for someone who could make it in the most authentic way possible,” he said. “It is handmade, using traditional dyes.”

Relies on public donations

Russel does not receive a salary, instead relying on public donations for his performances.

He is performing three shows a week at the British Legion during the summer holidays and is constantly devising new tricks and stunts.

“My main job is to entertain locals and visitors and to make the town a more happy and colourful place,” he said.

“I can juggle seven balls. I’ve done knives, daggers, swords, axes, meat cleavers, chainsaws, a circular saw blade, rabbit traps. You name it, I can juggle it!”

(Image: Cadw)

Huge jester library

His career as an entertainer began as a student at Lancaster University when he hosted an open mic night, but no performers turned up and he had to entertain the crowd single-handedly.

Russel claims he is now the proud owner of the largest jester-related library in the world.

“Jesters were amazing people,” he said. “They were entertainers, but they also had a special freedom to say and do things ordinary people could not.

“The jester was free to poke fun at the king and his decisions without being thrown in jail. Part of their job was to be honest.”

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According to his research, during the winter of 1294, Edward I was besieged at Conwy Castle during the uprising of Madog ap Llewelyn.

His jester Tom le Fol stayed by his side throughout the three-month siege and entertained everyone at the castle.

'Everything a town jester should be'

Toby Tunstall, chairman of the Conwy Chamber of Trade said: “Jesters were always more than just entertainers.

“They were a recognised figure within the community and as such, the appointment of a town jester was never taken lightly.

“Erwyd embraces the town’s past and is extremely passionate about its future. He’s everything a town jester should be.”

For more information, visit www.conwyjester.co.uk