Take a history lesson and step back in time this weekend to explore all things medieval.
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The seventh annual Tasmania Medieval Festival will be held at Sheffield.
Festival organiser Lord Ned from the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar said full contact jousting, medieval combat, birds of prey, fireworks, archery, belly dancers, working trebuchet and snake handling are just some of the activities happening during the festival.
“The weekend festival has increased in size every year,” Lord Ned said.
“One of the big things we have this year is a big old pop up English pub. We also have a working six-pound fire cannon so there will be heaps of bangs and crashes.”
The festival has grown so large it attracts people from all over the state, country and even the world.
“The best jouster in Australia is coming down,” Lord Ned said.
He said there would also be some of the best representatives for standing sword fighting and archery.
The festival encourages everyone to get in the medieval spirit and dress to the occasion with a best-dressed prize up for grabs.
Lord Ned said he was expecting a large crowd of about 4,000 people.
“The whole event is family friendly. Since day one we have made sure to install that upon the public,” he said.
“It’s a village celebration of a successful harvest season. It’s so the village can all celebrate together.”
The whole event is family friendly. Since day one we have made sure to install that upon the public.
- Lord Ned
The event is the Sovereign Military Order of the Knights Templar’s major event. Lord Ned said it was an excellent way for members to highlight their talent.
"This shows people what we do, we provide training and it gives them a venue to showcase their skills and a chance to compete,” he said.
Lord Ned said Sunday would be a replica of Saturday but the final day will be the championships
The Festival previously took place in Wynyard but recently moved to Sheffield.
“Sheffield has the right facilities and infrastructure. There are facilities for the horses. We are now closer to Launceston and get more people from the south,” Lord Ned said.
Saturday’s free fireworks display will start at 8pm.
The festival will take place at the Redwater Creek Steam and Railway grounds.
