Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dress as a knight and wield a longsword? Or, do your tastes run along more delicate lines such as calligraphy? Whatever your taste the Wanaka Medieval Festival will have something to satisfy. The normal tranquil surrounds of Rippon vineyard will be pulsating to the sounds of metal on metal as reenactors thrill audiences with their skill and bravery i
n full armoured combat while the Great Hall will resonate with the sounds of plain chant and medieval music. Thanks to the support of Creative NZ, Friends of Holy Family Catholic School (FOTS), have secured the attendance of the Dunedin Medieval and Renaissance Society, regular performers at the Dunedin Fringe Festival and at the hugely successful Abbey Medieval Festival in Australia. The Great Hall will also house a scriptorium where our resident ‘monk’, Dr Simone Marshall of Otago University, will run calligraphy and quill and ink making workshops. FOTS is thrilled to have someone of Dr Marshall’s calibre attend the festival to offer us an insight into how illuminated books, such as the Book of Kells, came to be. As the day gives way to night the Great Hall will be transformed and host a medieval banquet. Tickets for both events will be available in the coming months. The Wanaka Medieval Festival will be held on 5 November at The Rippon Hall.
