Abbey Medieval Festival

Abbey Medieval Festival

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Posted 2011-07-17 by Suefollow

Sat 07 Jul 2012 - Sun 08 Jul 2012



We didn't travel very far last weekend, we only went to Caboolture, but we did travel far back in time as we immersed ourselves in 600 AD to 1600 AD at the Abbey Medieval Tournament .

It was our second visit to the biggest medieval festival in the Southern Hemisphere. We went for one day in 2010 and decided that next time we'd go for the whole weekend. So we did: along with 27,043 other people.

As I have an interest in all things oriental we spent a lot of time at the colourful Shuvani Romania Kumpania campsite and the Janissary Barracks in the Islamic section. We watched the Turkish oil wrestling and the sword-balancing and veil dances by the Kazuri Tribe ladies. These ladies and the gypsy dancers from the Shuvani Romania Kumpania both ran free belly dance workshops during the weekend. They were a lot of fun, and so was practicing henna art in a $5.00 workshop. I discovered I'm a lot better at dancing than doodling.

Of course there was so much more there than belly dancing, wrestling and the art of henna. For $2.00 there's jousting, it's well worth it, if not for the excitement of the joust, then for the witty and delightful commentary of Sir Blair.

There were demonstrations of cannons, trebuchets, and archery. We also had a try at archery for $4.00 for five arrows. It's harder than it looks. We heard Celtic songs at the Friars Folly Tavern, a harpist, and music on interesting instruments like the hurdy gurdy. We watched a funny, juggling jester and graceful stilt-walkers, morris-dancers, and medieval dancers. There were henna artists, palm readers, coffee readers, furriers, weavers, blacksmiths, and people making chain-maille and jewellery.

For lunch on Saturday we ate venison pie at the Stag Inn, (sorry Bambi) and I found out what chevron pie is, (it's goat.) I also had my first taste of Strongbow Pear Cider. Yes I know that's not strictly in keeping with medieval times, but still, it was nice.

So, any downsides? There weren't many. There were long queues at some of the food stalls and there was always a queue at the coffee stall near the entrance. (It was good coffee). There were always queues for the toilets too, but to be fair, at least there was a toilet block this year and we didn't have to rely fully on the Portaloos. Also, it can sometimes be a frustratingly slow journey getting out of the car parks.

With 37 groups participating in 2011, it was impossible to see everything in one weekend. I also missed out on trying mulled wine and mead because they'd sold out by Sunday afternoon. I believe these are very good reasons to go again next year. I might even dress up, you don't have to be with a reenactment group to get into the spirit of the thing by dressing in the fashion of your favourite era.

Whether your interest is in Vikings or Knights, sword fighting or dance oriental, there's bound to be something of interest. And if perchance there is not, then take a punt on something else there and it might turn out to be really interesting.

And one more thing, wear comfortable shoes, you'll spend a lot of time walking about. Maybe sit and watch one of the three jousts a day in the afternoon to give your feet a rest.

For photos of the 2011 Abbey Medieval Tournament, check out their Facebook page . They are also on Twitter @AbbeyTournament

#festivals
#dancing
#museums
!date 07/07/2012 -- 08/07/2012
%wnbrisbane
217252 - 2023-06-16 07:33:20

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