Abbey Medieval Festival

Since 1988, Moreton Bay Region has been home to the largest, most authentic, annual medieval re-enactment in the southern hemisphere – Abbey Medieval Festival – a completely immersive Medieval experience transporting festival-goers back to the days of kings, Vikings, fair maidens, knights and peasants.

With pigs roasting on spits, re-enactment camps, minstrels, jousters, mock-battles and music, it’s an event that is unmatched for its authentic recreation of this fascinating era.

If you’re an ancient history buff, or love all things Medieval this is the festival for you! Bring the whole family to Abbey Medieval Festival 2021 for a fantastic day out experiencing the Middle Ages brought back to life.

Come as you are, or don a period piece costume to fully get into the spirit.

Medieval Festival Highlights

One of the standouts of the festival is the sheer number of world-class re-enactors who come back each year. Over 1000 (yes you read that correctly!) re-enactors join the festival to showcase their skills, encampments, kit (costumes), and knowledge of the specific period of Medieval history they cover.

Ten entertainment venues will host more than 80 demonstrations and performances across the weekend highlighting life in medieval Europe and the cold North lands to the deserts of the Middle East and the Ottoman.

Watch on as brave knights take to the lists in the joust, be mesmerised by the hypnotic belly dancers in action, meander through the 70 medieval inspired market stalls, pick up medieval skills at one of the artisan or tradesman workshops, visit the encampments to experience first-hand how Medieval peoples travelled, lived and interacted as family and tribal groups, amongst much more immersive fun to be had.

The festival commences with two medieval banquets featuring a delicious menu, a dramatic peacock subtelty, fire-dancing, and a Viking guard-display.

What’s New in 2021?

What's on for families this year in addition to the authentic Medieval performances, displays, workshops and entertainment festival-goers have come to expect year after year?

Program TBC

What to Expect

• Authentic medieval jousting
• Medieval encampments of Vikings, Ottoman Turks, Medieval Knights and more
• Medieval demonstrations – dog training, sword skills, falconry, Turkish oil wrestling and much more
• Medieval re-enactments – castle sieges, Gregorian chants, historical combat, a 14^th century knighting ceremony (held Tournament Eve Friday at Abbey Church) and more
• A medieval banquet (bookings essential - will open later in 2021)
• New re-enactment villages (Crusader quarter and redesigned Dark Ages)
• New Choosing of the Champions will take place during the closing ceremony, which see the crowning of the champions of each of the five tournaments - the Joust, the Archery, Skill at Arms, the Turkish oil-wrestling and the Holmgang.
• Archery competitions, and horseback archery with Medieval Horse Sports Australia
• Artisan and tradesman workshops
• Fashion parades and costume competitions for adults and children
• Authentic Food and drink stalls
• Roving performers
• Medieval music and bands
• Kids entertainment – jugglers, puppetry, storytelling and much more
• Arts, crafts, gowns, garlands, armour and weaponry stalls and displays
• ATM and toilet facilities are available (yes - there are some perks to celebrating all things Medieval in the 'modern-day'

Abbey Medieval Festival 2021 Details

When: Saturday 3rd July and Sunday 4th July 2021

Abbeystowe gates open at 9:00am both days

Where: Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, 1 – 63 The Abbey Place (off Toorbul Point Road), Caboolture

Who: All ages (family-friendly event)

Getting there: Free buses operate from Caboolture Train Station and on-site car parking is available.

Tickets: Go on Sale 1st March

More information: Contact Abbey Medieval Museum on 5495 1652, or email eventmanager@abbeytournament.com

Stay up to date with the festival developments by checking the Abbey Medieval Festival Facebook page.

Program subject to change