The Victorian Medieval Festival brings the Middle Ages to 2024, with jousting, knight school and birds of prey.
The highly anticipated Victorian Medieval Festival is set to return to Kryal Castle this weekend, promising a thrilling step back in time for visitors of all ages. Taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November, the festival will immerse attendees in the sights, sounds, and spectacles of the Middle Ages.
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the Tree of Gold Tournament, showcasing the largest jousting competition in Australia. The event will bring together 11 of the nation’s top knights, including a historic four female competitors, marking the highest-ever female participation in an Australian joust.
Kryal Castle Victorian Medieval Festival
- When: Saturday 16 November and Sunday 17 November
- Where: Kryal Castle, 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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The joust, known as the “Passage of Arms,” will see knights battle for the coveted title of “most worthy,” with the competition adhering to traditional medieval rules and featuring replica armour.
Among the knights competing is Kryal Castle’s own Experience Director and World Jousting Champion, Sir Phillip Leitch, along with talented female jousters such as Lady Jayde Masterson, Lady Jacqueline-Lee Dominick, Lady Samantha Marr and current Australian Jousting Champion, Renae Marisma.
Sir Phillip, who will be donning 40kg of armour to charge at his opponents on horseback, spoke of the thrill of the sport: “It’s a thrilling sport to watch. Knights charge at opponents at speeds of up to 40km/h, all while peering through a tiny slit in their helmet.”
In addition to the jousting, the festival offers a wide range of medieval-themed activities. Visitors can explore the Castle grounds, where they’ll find skilled artisans demonstrating everything from blacksmithing to carpentry, along with authentic medieval merchants selling everything from clothing to jewellery. Families can also enjoy the Knight School for kids, where young adventurers can learn the art of knightly combat.
Other attractions include a breath-taking birds of prey show, medieval reenactors offering educational demonstrations, and live music and merriment at the festival tavern.
It all adds to the huge Kryal Castle program, which has seen magic, dragons and live music take to the historic tourist attraction that celebrated 50 years in September.
The Victorian Medieval Festival runs from 10am to 4pm on both days, with general tickets starting at $31. For more information and to purchase tickets, head here.
