“The jousting is always a crowd pleaser,” according to fair organisers. Photo: Jodie Fletcher Photography.
Prepare thyselves for merriment and marvels at the Queanbeyan Medieval Fair.
Returning for the third year, the fair will take place on 27 and 28 September at the Queanbeyan Showground.
The organising team says community anticipation is running high for the all-ages event that will feature the usual crowd-pleasers plus a few exciting new additions.
On a quest for adventure? Be wowed by expert axe-throwing, hold your breath at a jousting tournament, or immerse yourself in history with a demonstration of late medieval cannon fire.
For a quieter kind of thrill, the pageantry of historical fashions on display is sure to impress.
“We always love seeing the costumes people create – they get better every year,” says Amanda Kroker from Events & Festivals Australia.
“As a historical costumer myself, I find that putting on an outfit – aka garb – helps me get into the vibe of an event like this, and I know this is the same feeling a lot of the living history reenactors and even the general public have.”
If thou be not of the peasant sort, make thy way around the merchants’ rows, where a vast array of 74 stallholders will sell their uniquely medieval wares.
Whatever ancient, long-lost treasure you seek – this is your Holy Grail.
Pop into Credens Hall Home Apothecary to replenish your stocks of hand-blended teas and spices, or find your tartan at the Scottish Accessories Shoppe.
Hungry historians can feast on meat and mead from 19 food vendors, from Spit Shack to Thistle Meadery. Or tarry a while, with a visit to the custom-made Sword & Chalice tavern for some goodly discourse.
With 13 living history groups and various other performers, the event aims to emulate what it was like to live in past times – from food and fashions to forgotten crafts.
“We celebrate the history and the people who bring it to life in our modern era – and showcase the trades that are sadly dying out, like blacksmithing and leatherworking.”
Queanbeyan Medieval Fair: Where wandering past the Roman legion in full force combat is considered the norm. Photo: Supplied.
Of course, some medieval marvels are perhaps best left forgotten. Medieval Field Surgery Medicine will cover medieval medical history, from the 10th century Norman era through to the 12th, 14th and 16th century Knights of St John.
Also joining the festivities will be a “very large contingent” of Roman reenactors – enough to make Caesar raise an imperial brow.
A series of engaging and educational lectures is a new addition to the program, offering something for all ages – from curious kids to history buff adults.
From the costumes to the crafts to the entertainment, Amanda says the biggest drawcard for many is the immersive nature of the experience.
“People love being transported to another time and another place for a while,” she says.
“It’s a chance to step away from daily life and into another world, where things like jousting and full-force combat and a Roman legion wandering around are the norm.”
The Queanbeyan Medieval Fair will be held on 27 and 28 September at Queanbeyan Showground on Glebe Avenue. Tickets are available via TryBooking.
