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Grand Parade
The
gates open at 9am so join the crowds to witness the magical
opening ceremony of the 21st Abbey Medieval Tournament.
More than 500 knights and warriors, their ladies and
retainers will gather outside the Castle in the largest
massed display of medieval re-enactment in Australia.
To the blare of trumpets, our magnificent Master of
Ceremonies, Blair Martin, will summon the knights to take
part in chivalrous combat for honour and courage.
There
are Historical Combats from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance
(600-1600 AD), and from the frozen Northlands to the deserts
of Outremer and North Africa. Our armoured combats
feature different fighting styles and archery, tourneys,
melees and individual combats, including Viking, Dark Age,
High Middle Ages and Byzantine warriors, German landsknechts
(mercenaries), Turkish janissaries and exquisite Renaissance
swordsmen.
The Jousting Championships
This
year the Joust has again been ticketed to allow you, our noble
patrons, an opportunity to witness the thrill of the Joust
in safety without being trampled by peasants underfoot.
We are holding three tilts a day to maximise the opportunity
for you to see this dangerous and exciting event. 2
gold coins purchases you a place in the grandstands with
other noble guests; one gold coin allows you a standing
place with the crowd. You can only enter by purchasing
a token on the day of the event. Once the allotted
number of places are filled, that joust will be closed to
the public.
Medieval Music & Bands
Listen to the haunting timeless melodies from some of
Australia’s leading medieval bands, such as Harlequin,
Wayward, Jabadaw and other glorious songsters. Schola
Cantorum performs ancient Gregorian chants, and there are
harpists, lutenists and other musicians strolling about the
festival.
Turkish Oil Wrestling
Last
year, ladies and noble women flocked to see the delicious
sight of oiled and bronzed bodies engaging in the ancient
medieval sport of Turkish Oil Wrestling. Make sure you
book a place early to salivate over such exalted flesh.
Knighting Ceremony
See
details about the spine-tingling Knighting Ceremony held in
the beautiful Abbey Church, amid ancient stained glass and
candlelight, in a recreation of a 14th century knighting
ceremony by the Order of Lion Rampant. This is a
photographic feast not to be missed.
Archery
The
Company of Northumbria provide archery open to the public
throughout the Festival where you can take part. Try
your skills with a war bow or watch as those skilled in the
art compete for the title of Abbey Tournament Champion.
Gregorian Chant
Night Office (Compline)
is sung in the Abbey Church on Saturday evening at 5.30pm, a
very authentic setting for this final prayer of the day.
It is sung (entirely in Latin) in candlelight in much the
same way as it has been chanted for over 1,000 years.
Free admission.
Medieval Mayhem –
football in the Middle Ages
Medieval football had few rules and
numerous
players.
By some accounts, any means could be used
to move the ball to a goal, as long as it did not lead
to manslaughter or murder. This is the first time we
have hosted this exciting spectacle. Come and see mob
rules on Saturday night on the Castle green.
Medieval Theatre
There
is fascinating medieval theatre and games, including
jugglers, puppetry, dancing, and costume parades for your
entertainment all day long.
Medieval Markets
More
than sixty stalls covering a huge range of products, arts
and crafts in Australia's most authentic medieval market.
Whatever you're looking for, it'll be here!
Food! Lots of Food Stalls
Experience delicious medieval food and drinks. Try an
authentic venison pie at the "Stag Inn", or ale or cider at
the "The Friars Folly".
Finale
The
21st Abbey Medieval Tournament concludes on a lighter note,
as groups come together for the grand finale on Sunday.
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