Visiting the St Ives Medieval Faire, 19 and 20 September 2015

This post is by Tamar Lawson, who attended the recent St Ives Medieval Faire.

The ground is muddy, covered with straw (probably to mop up some of the excess water), the rain is lightly falling and there is a faint smell of manure and food cooking on an open fire. This is what meets us as we enter the medieval village via the castle gates.  Before entering the gates we find a village market selling everything required for period dress including jewellery, hat, cloaks and gowns, as well as non-medieval hot food & beverages. Also there is stage that has been erected for the performance of courtly entertainment including music, circus acts and a variety of dances.

The medieval village is divided into three eras, the Templar Camp, the Early Village and the 14^th century village. Each camp within each village is set up and run by a direct medieval re-enactment group. Many of the camps are sent up to replicate a specific year and people group or occupation. Reenactors are by nature enthusiasts of the subject they’re replicating and are highly knowledgeable on their area of interest but are also just as enthusiastic to share their knowledge to anyone who’s interested.  Throughout the day there are also scheduled village talks conducted by reenactors including medieval cosmetics, medieval surgery and Byzantine urinalysis.

As the faire is meant to represent a working castle there is also a medieval marketplace, a village green, main arena and tavern. The main arena is where the jousting, birds of prey demonstration, Viking battle and knights tournament took place.  The jousting was presented with the sort of fan-fare that would have been attributed to historical jousting when it became spectator sport. I suspect medieval jousting would have been an all-day event, particularly if the horses were as unco-operative as was one of the rider’s horses, after two rounds it balked.

Aside from jousting, which is only reserved for the nobility (or in this case, professionals), there were other demonstrations where men could show off their prowess.  Out on the trebuchet field there was a Kingdom of Heaven tournament, the archery demonstration and a musket and pike drill.

Aside from the re-enactments, weapons being fired and the live animals, the biggest drawcard for faire-goers is the opportunity to dress in costume for a day. It is important to lending authenticity to an event such as this to set aside a portion of the festivities to a best-dressed competition. The male and female winners are given a faire flag and entry into the VIP tent, which provides the best view of the jousting.

The best way to experience the faire is to immerse yourself in the festivities. Even if you don’t get to come in costume, get involved in activities by learning to make cloth buttons or finger-loop cord braiding. Talk to a reenactor; ask them about their camp and their area of research.