Well, we all had such a great time at the 11th Gumeracha Medieval Fair!

The eleventh annual Gumeracha Medieval Fair was held on the 6th & 7th May in the lovely Federation Park. Once more, there was the promise of another two days of medieval fun and excitement. And wow! Did it happen? Yes! The crowds came in their thousands (especially on the Sunday this year) and we estimate that the total number has reached over the 15,000 mark for the entire weekend.

 

The King’s Horses Equestrian Group was one of the main attractions, showing off their “Jousting skill at arms” and the Knights and Vikings from local and interstate Medieval Re-enactment Groups were going at it in the Combat Arena again with increased vigour.

This year Paul, our falconer, introduced his peregrine falcon and promised us a full display for 2018 with Eagle, Owl and Falcon skills. We were also treated with the performances by the Ironclad Academy of the Sword Knights, Vikings (from simply everywhere!) as well as those determined Border Celts.

The fast and furious Border Celts with their sturdy hawthorn sticks contrast with the graceful girls of the Cloudhouse Bellydancers, Gawler Irish Dancing Club, and theLancashire Witches!

 

 

The Viking encampments were full of the demonstrations of cooking and craftwork that was done in those early Iron Age days and patrons were able to wander through the village and see the demonstrations close up for themselves.

 

A feature this year, was the 16 foot Viking longboat built by Jorgen Jensen of Woodside. Again, this year Re-enactors came to Gumeracha from Queensland, N.S.W. and Victoria to join the many resident South Australians.

 

Once again musicians from across the state came to provide medieval folk music from many cultural backgrounds. We were also very excited that Jack & Elley, Greenwood, Telenn Tri Group (with harp), the Nava Ensemble and Tamarisque were with us as well. The very popular “Merchants Lane” was also offering a wide range of medieval-style crafts and activities. We have so many now they are spread over all the fairgrounds. The dedicated Children’s area had the Storytellers, Face painters, children’s Costume-maker, wooden Sword-making, as well as the Native Animal Nursery and the popular Punch and Judy show and also a new Music Garden to ensure there was a lot for the whole family to enjoy. The daily Costume Competition on the banks of Kenton Creek was extremely popular once again with the new Section for the pampered Pooches!

More Food Merchants were again following the medieval theme with sumptuous tastes to tempt the passer-by. With foods and beverages derived in the local Torrens Valley area,Wendy and David Cook of the Birdwood Wine & Cheese Centre were there in the Tavern together with the famous “Mien Hosts” from the Lobethal Bierhaus serving their award winning beers and the Thistle Meadery serving a grand array of special flavours.

On Saturday night the Town Hall was alive with medieval feasting and BYO drinks (from the selection found in the Tavern) and lots of entertainment as well with “Top of the Torrens Players” as our Mein Hosts.

 

Across Kenton Creek in the Medieval Village visitors saw the village blacksmiths and chain maille makers hard at work in the “smithy”. The village always encapsulates what life was like in medieval times, as the Spinners, the Herbalist, Felt-makers, Calligraphers, the Leatherworkers, the Cooper and several woodworkers ply their trade.

 

We were also able to catch up with “Wizzy Woo the Wonder Wombat” and her friends as well. Past the village, patrons wandered down to find the Medieval Archery ground where they saw demonstrations with the famous English longbow. We also had another Music area above the Market too!

 

All this historical fun was being put together with the co-operation of local community and service groups of the Torrens Valley. From the Fair net profits of over $20,000 will be dispersed back into the local community by the Management Committee. This has become an exciting annual event which benefits the whole of the Gumeracha and Torrens Valley district.

Welcome to Country will be brought to us by Isabelle Campbell, Peramangk Custodian.

 

Dress up and come and join us next year on the 5th and 6th of May 2018!
Open times are 10 am – 5pm Sat and 10am – 4pm Sun

Online tickets available through Ticketebo will be announced a few months before the event.

For any general questions and enquiries (including weapons policy and other business) email: gum.med.fair.info@gmail.com

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