IMMERSE yourself in real-life Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings adventures at the Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair!
Winterfest is back on 1-2 July 2023 at the Hawkesbury Showground, 10am to 5pm.
At Winterfest you can venture to a world with free-flying birds of prey, knights, vikings and peasants, unicorns and orcs.
From jousting, archery and combat to crafts, cooking and games, this popular two-day event features an extensive program to delight the whole family.
Immerse yourself in the action with a wonderful line-up of entertainment, including:
• The exciting Winterfest Jousting Tournament: see the face-off between champions in the sport of kings!
• International Full Contact Fighting: The best from Australia, New Zealand, and China compete in the Historical Medieval Battles (HMB) tournament for selection to represent their country in the Battle of the Nations World Championships.
• Graceful and powerful raptors fly free in the Full Flight Birds of Prey display. Learn about birds of prey in Australia and the history of falconry.
• Melee Battles with knights in armour from a range of historical periods. Watch the groups battle for supremacy in the ‘Combat and Arms’ display, which concludes with the ‘Grand Melee’!
• The Mounted Skill-at-Arms, demonstrating the skills required for knights in training and for battle.
• The Re-enactors’s Row, where you can try helmets, armour, shields and weapons. Friendly re-enactors from the dark ages through to the 17th century enjoy sharing their knowledge about the people and period they are re-enacting.
Discover traditional skills being kept alive in Artisan Alley with displays throughout the day, including blacksmithing, woodworking, and leatherwork, and take a stroll through the Merchant’s Row to browse the vibrant range of stalls including quality artisan and handcrafted wares.
Roaming entertainers add to the festival atmosphere, including musicians and minstrels, and Feldergast the Fool the wandering jester.
Treat yourself with many delicious foods to choose from including slow cooked pulled pork and mini Dutch pancakes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available.
Have a go at hands-on activities including a traditional archery range, Celtic drumming workshops, and the chance to learn to use a rapier. Have your photo taken with a unicorn, and kids can have a go of a (safe) sword and shield at the Kids’ Knight School.
Immerse yourself in the festival environment by wearing something a bit different from the usual.
The Winterfest Costume and Cosplay competition is always popular. Join the competition parade for judging, or if that’s not your thing, you may be surprised with an on-the-spot prize. Come along in a medieval-inspired outfit or fantasy-style clothing; all medieval periods, cultures and styles are welcome.
Venue: Hawkesbury Showground, 40 Racecourse Road, Clarendon. Free, easy on-site parking, with disabilities and seniors’ space close to gate entrance. Two minutes’ walk to Clarendon railway station.
Tickets: Pre-purchase online for discounts, or buy at the gate. Details: winterfest.com.au, Facebook or Instagram.
