Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair 2021 returning to Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon

EARLIER:

Arise, fair lords and ladies, and attend Winterfest! The medieval fair is returning to Hawkesbury Showground with an action-packed weekend fit for a king (or peasant!).

Andrew Beattie, Maroota local, professional jouster and event organiser, said 2021's event would be the best ever and was sure to be packed with visitors from around Sydney descending on Clarendon - many dressed in costumes to reflect life in medieval times.

"At Winterfest you can adventure to a world with free-flying birds of prey, knights, vikings and peasants, unicorns and orcs," Mr Beattie told the Gazette.

"From jousting, archery and combat to crafts, cooking and games, this popular two-day event features an extensive program to delight the whole family.

"We're looking forward to seeing everyone join us for another fantastic year at Winterfest!"

Bligh Park local, Jennifer Bourke, a keen member of Historical Equestrian Games Australia (HEGA) - an historical equestrian troupe which began in the Hawkesbury - has been practicing on her horse for weeks.

The vet nurse together with her HEGA counterparts - about half of whom are from the Hawesbury - will be doing a number of demonstrations over the weekend.

"We'll be doing lance and sword work, with shields, and collecting rings off posts [with our swords] and also picking things up off the ground with spears," she said.

"Historically that would have been practice for war and combat situations."

Ms Bourke said she "fell into" the historical equestrian scene, because of her involvement with horses.

"I was looking for something to do with my horses and I had friends that were involved [with HEGA] and they took me along. For me it was really good because I tend to be quite a nervous rider so it gave me something else to focus on which meant I wasn't overthinking what I was doing," she said.

"At the end of the day it's really good fun."

Winterfest-goers will be able to watch shows and performances including jousting, medieval combat and ye olde-style cooking, get involved in hands-on activities including those lead by medieval reenactors displaying traditional leatherworking and metalworking techniques, try a spot of archery, and say hello to some convincing mermaids.

There will also be costume competitions, birds of prey demonstrations, carriage rides, unicorns, a medieval medicine show, musicians, skill-at-arms shows, wandering jesters and magicians, a medieval animal farm, live action role playing and more.

Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair 2021 will take place at Hawkesbury Showground, Showground Road, Clarendon, on Saturday, June 26 to Sunday, June 27.

Buy your tickets and find out more at winterfest.com.au