In spite of the stormy weather, guest numbers exceeded expectations at the Boddington Medieval Fayre and Feast held on Saturday.
Festival organisers said the profits raised on the day would go to the Boddington Hospital Auxiliary for the purchase of a community bus, that could accommodate the local seniors.
The second event of its kind run solely by volunteers, started at 11am with activities finishing about 4pm, but many stayed on for the evening’s feast.
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The event was held at the Boddington Lions Rodeo Grounds, a purpose built area that suited the festival down to a tee with its rustic exterior, overhead vines and a large undercover stage, bar and covered seating arena.
Nearly everyone was dressed in elaborate and creative outfits.
Men, women and children had gone to amazing lengths to get authenticity into the costumes, with undoubted hours of cutting and sewing to create the pieces.
Over 20 exhibitors attended the event, selling a range of food or merchandise, all with a medieval flavour or theme.
Creative titles were coined for the food, including ‘warrior burgers’ and ‘medieval bratwurst’.
Other foods included the puff bread spiced mince fillings, bread filled savoury buns and sweets from South Africa.
Market stores sold leather goods, craft items, swords, working blacksmiths, henna and medieval games.
Children could enjoy the activities including the catapult that launched small bean bags, knocking over advancing soldiers.
There was a stall holder demonstrating metal work, the making of swords and other items used for medieval warfare.
A pillory was set up where attendees could role play, pretending they were a witch, lazy husband, sinner and adulterer.
In the main arena attendees were able to view sword combat warriors in action, archers and a catapult completion.
Outside the ring were stalls featuring a range of items used both domestically and for warfare with groups.
The feast was meant to be limited to 250 people, but it was sold-out with a week to go, so eventually 262 people sat down to the banquet.
Pork, lamb and beef were all prepared on the spits and enamel plates and mugs were used to once again, give a feel of authenticity to the evening.
Eating, drinking and dancing were on the menu and the Jarrah Celts Band made sure guests were moving in their chairs.
Festival organisers said the Boddington Medieval Fayre and Feast would become an annual event but the date was yet to be decided.
The event was organised by Eugene Smallburger, Dawn Newman and their families, and aided by a number of volunteers.
