These guidelines are intended to clarify standards and acceptance criteria to re-enactment groups and performers wishing to partake in the Abbey Medieval Festival and Tournament.

The Abbey Museum holds the festival to raise money to support the Museum.  As an educational and cultural institution, we also set high standards of historical accuracy and performance.  One important criterion is that the public are offered a positive educational experience.  They may come to be entertained, but it is our endeavour for them to leave excited and educated about what they have seen.

Space is provided to participating groups to set up living history encampments and/or static displays that portray medieval life. However, please remember with the increasing number of groups taking part, the Festival Committee reserves the right to choose groups that best reflect the standards and ethos of the Museum.

Re-enactors and other performers are encouraged to create a realistic and accurate portrayal in their encampments, stalls, performance, costume and persona of the period they are representing.

The Abbey Medieval Festival time period spans from AD 600 to 1600.  Its geographical focus is restricted to Europe and the Middle East.

Encampments are major areas for interaction with visitors.   Modern items categorically have no place in a living history encampment.  A small display that maintains quality is preferred over a larger display of lesser quality.

Armed combat is held in a number of performance areas.  However, we encourage groups to also engage in peaceful pursuits, especially pageants, processions, games, dance and music.

Photo: David de Groot   

Participants are expected to spend a substantial portion of each day directly involved in a living history or re-enactment activity.

Accurate costuming makes the greatest visual contribution to the overall ambience of the event.  See COSTUMING STANDARDS.  The minimum standard for costuming for the 2010 Abbey Medieval Festival is set at Acceptable Quality.

Live performances, including combat, plays and dance, should be well-researched so that the time period is accurately reflected.  All props need to be in keeping with this historical framework.