Medieval Faire Come September

Looking forward to Spring come September, when up my way there will be a Medieval Faire over a weekend. Great stuff, anyone interested in this sort of stuff?

It's like stepping back in time walking around the village grounds, an area for lean-to structures displaying good for sale; another area with pitched tents of different knights with their suit of armour, weaponry layed outside. Inside some tents are scattered skin rugs on the floor or across a rough bed. A stool beside a rough table with wine goblet, plume pen resting by an ink pot amid scrolls of paper and maps.

In the events arena there are jousting tournaments and war games. Great fun for young and old. People attending often go dressed in medieval outfits.

So much to take in, last year I found one day not enough. So this year I'll be spending the weekend taking in the tournaments, games and sights. Fabulous time if your into it.

Here's a sampling to give you some idea:

Medieval Village
http://www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/village-ATTRACTION-hero.png

Jousting Tournamen
http://www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/marc_joust.jpg

 

There are similar events in your part of the world:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/knights-jousts-events/

I remember my last visit to Warwick Castle, there was a knight in full armour, shield and lance astride a beautiful black horse that I watched as he galloped across the field and stopped short of where I stood. Entranced I walked up and (oh yuk, like a typical tourist) asked if I could have a photo taken…graciously he agreed, reached down, grabbed my hand and posed with me. So I have a great photo and a wonderful memory of my visit to Warwick Castle and the Shire.

It is a great Faire. When I attended last year, first day, 9am upon arrival, I counted 21 St John Ambulances, and watched staff disperse around the grounds. Upon watching events later, it became clear why so many. The combatants becoming over enthusiastic during warfare and competitive displays often ended up leaving the arena nursing an arm or limping off.

The knights’ horses are magnificent looking creatures, beautifully cared by their owners. On one of the jousting tournaments last year, a lance glanced off a knight’s shield and his sudden twist of the reins caused his horse to falter and crash to the ground, pinning its rider. Everyone jumped up concerned about the horse which quickly recovered, but hardly noticed the poor knight being lifted to his feet and helped off the field limping towards St John Ambulance staff.

Even the warfare hand to hand combat displays get pretty rough with some hard blows that made me cringe last year. These guys travel internationally at competitions and Faires so they give a great show. Last year, knights in full armour (no weapons allowed) wandered around Manly Beach, hanging over the beach rails, with their helmet visors raised, checking out the bathers…everyone was gob smacked with this unexpected visit.

Yeah...all fun!

Except for the display of Classic Cars during our Australia Day celebrations which are great to see, I haven’t attended any shows or rallies. But it is a common event, pretty much nationally at different times throughout the year for Antique and Classic Car Rallies attended by car enthusiasts:
http://www.australiaclassic.com.au/news/

 

The largest Medieval Fair in Sweden is a week-long event, that also is an annual family tradition for my siblings and their families. They've invested in a large pavilion tent,several outfits per person, and go all out.

I've attended once or twice, and am the proud owner of jewelry as well as a very comfortable dress in the 14th century style.

 

Oooh! Sounds fabulous. So lucky a week long affair and then to enjoy it alongside your family. I'm envious!