Tickets for the 2011 Madrigal Dinner at Western Carolina University went on sale Tuesday, Nov. 1.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Grandroom of the A.K. Hinds University Center.

Held annually since 1970, the Madrigal Dinner features entertainment, costumes, pageantry and food authentic of 16th-century England. During each dinner, the Early Music Ensemble, directed by Michael Lancaster — the newly appointed director of choral activities — will perform alongside a trio of herald trumpets and a trio of period instruments played by WCU music faculty Will Peebles and Bruce Frazier and WCU alumna Diana Fisher. Performers include a jester, the lord and lady of the feast and others.

The menu will include a choice of three entrees (grilled pork loin chop with bourbon-apple glaze, honey-citrus glazed Cornish game hen, or a vegetarian plate featuring a shepherd’s pie) and will be served with wassail, salad, roasted garlic mashed new potatoes, glazed carrots, plum pudding, rolls, tea, water and coffee. Tables seat eight apiece.

Tickets are $35 ($20. for WCU students) and may be purchased in the University Center administrative offices (on the second floor) or by calling 828.227.7206 for credit card orders.