Newcastle Medieval Festival

The Newcastle Medieval Festival returns to the Newcastle Foreshore on the 5th and 6th of September, its third edition and billed as bigger than ever. It's a two-day medieval fair built as a family-friendly celebration of the Middle Ages, and this time it's taking over Foreshore Park at 32 Wharf Road, Newcastle East.

The main attraction is the BUHURT tournament, held in the BUHURT arena, where the Newcastle BUHURT Cup is awarded. It's fierce medieval combat, so that's the high-energy centre of the whole weekend. Around it, you'll find living history re-enactment encampments and an Artisan Village, with market and food stalls throughout. There's also LARPing on site, and the day is rounded off with a midday cannon fire.

Between the fighting and the stalls, the festival is set up as a walk-through experience. The encampments and artisan village let you wander through a re-created medieval scene, and the food is inspired by the period. It's designed for all ages, so it works as a full day out with the family as much as a quick look around. Colourful costumes are encouraged, though you don't need to dress up to fit in.

Practical side: the site is mostly flat grass with some paved pathways, so it's easy enough to get around. Gates open at 10am both days, and it runs across the whole weekend, the 5th and 6th of September, at Foreshore Park, Newcastle Foreshore, 32 Wharf Road, Newcastle East, NSW 2300.