Immerse yourself in the middle ages

The annual Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair is in its 16th year this weekend.

The competitive sports of historical medieval battle (HMB) and the Winterfest joust will complement artisan valley, equestrian, medieval medicine, music, mermaids cove, birds of prey displays, kitchens, historical reenactment and field of arms exhibits.

Children can join in the fun at knight school, where they will be equipped with a sword and shield for a ‘play’ combat, with the chance to be kitted out in traditional armour. There will also be other fun activities for the younger ones.

Captain of both the Australian Battle of the Nations team and NSW’s Team Havoc, Bryce Lightbody said HMB is a form of martial arts.

“HMB is a type of full contact martial arts where the competitors wear full head to toe historical based armour, well enough made by modern standards to avoid injury. The sport involves competition between other lightly armoured fighters. We compete with blunted steel weapons,” Mr Lightbody said.

“Usually at Winterfest we hold a huge tournament. Interstate teams come up from all around the place. Unfortunately this year, due to the dreaded COVID, it’s slightly smaller than usual.”

There’s various different categories of fighting ranging from one versus one duels, then to buhurt which are group fights and can be 5 versus 5, 12 versus 12 up to 150 versus 150 battles. The aim is to put the entire opposition team on the ground.

Bryce said we can expect buhurt, varying categories of duels through to a round robin and then work through to the final players Australian Medieval Combat NSW Cup.

“In between as well, we’ll have fighters on display, we'll have armour and weapons there. Any spectators can come and talk with us,” he said.

Winterfest is on June 26 and 27 at Hawkesbury Showground from 10am - 5pm each day. Tickets are available via the winterfest.com.au. Dine and discover vouchers can be used.

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