Award winning event returns this month

Fantasy Medieval Fair ready to build on its inaugural success with a jam packed program

Take a step into a fantastical medieval scene on the weekend of April 15 & 16, as the Mount Gambier Showgrounds comes alive with over 200 reenactors, performers and stallholders from across Australia.

The Fantasy Medieval Fair, organised by local volunteers, is back for it’s second year after winning the Australia Day Community Event of the Year award, and promises an even bigger family-friendly event for year two. Swords will clash against full body armour in the Warhounds combat arena with the Steel of Origin SA vs VIC battle! Plus the popular horse jousting returns with a full line-up of equestrian talent, as well as Gladiators in Award winning event returns this month Fantasy Medieval Fair ready to build on its inaugural success with a jam packed program Advertorial • Fantasy Medieval Fair battle and long bow archery with demonstrations and come & try sessions.

For the crafty minded there are many artisans showing their skills, but from around the nation as well as local artists who will be demonstrating the origins of their trades with handthrowing clay, spinning, yarning, weaving, blacksmithing and leatherwork.

In the main hall try your hand at a game of Dungeons and Dragons presented by Gamin Nexus, have your photo done in a Fantasy forest setting with Reminisce Photography, or browse the many stalls both inside and outdoors in the medieval marketplace where you will find all sorts of wares that fit the theme. Merchants from as far abroad as the Medieval Shoppe in NSW, to Firebear Armoury from Adelaide and of course local stalls by such brands as DragonSteel and Leather.

For lunch wander down through the many food stalls and stop in at the Sons of Odin Tavern for a drop of ale, or your favourite brew.

Kids will love the Traditional Punch and Judy puppet show, the DIY map making, feeding carrots to miniature donkeys and goats, and the sand castle Creation Station! There will be dances by the Mount Gambier Calisthenics club and the Highland dancers, tunes by the award winning harpist Siobhan Owen, and performances by Wehl Street Theatre.

One of the volunteer organisers, Talie Teakle, is especially looking forward to seeing the costumes. “In 2022 I was so impressed with the amount of people wearing costumes. It really adds to the atmosphere. This year I’m sure there will be even more and with the fantasy element people know they aren’t restricted just to historical attire. I’m hoping we see some fictional cosplay as well.”

There is also a hair braiding station and a henna tattooing stall so that you can look the part no matter what you wear.

Gates are open from 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday April 15 & 16.

Tickets are only available online for pre-purchase and start at $12. They will also be available at the gate however with an additional charge.

If that’s not enough and you want more, there is an over18s only Medieval Feast on Saturday night from 6:00pm.

Enjoy a heritage Amblemead pig, 3 course meal (with dietary options) by Mean Feedz. The Sons of Odin will have your medieval themes drinks available, and live entertainment including music and fire performances.