Back to the Middle Ages in the Yarra Ranges

Knights present the 'Art of Friendly Violence' at a previous Medieval Village Fair at Camelot Castle. Picture: ON FILE

By Callum Ludwig

The drawbridge will be lowered and the gates opened for a Medieval Village Fair on Sunday 5 February, with support from the Yellingbo CFA, Woori Community House, Woori Yallock Bendigo Bank and the WHYLD community group at The Yarra Ranges’ very own Camelot castle.

For only a gold coin donation, the stunning castle will host a number of ‘merchants’, kids entertainment and the performances of live-action role-playing groups (LARPs).

Manager of the Woori Community House and event organiser Sonja Mazar said its the first time the event has run in a few years, after first being held in 2012.

“We have reenactment groups who come from near and far, even as far as Ballarat and Gippsland, who do role plays and invite people to come and watch as well as participate in some of their events,” she said.

“We have a lot of stalls set up with activities from the time period like wool yarning, and a number of them will teach people how to do some of the work they do.”

The Knights of Camelot will roving around the grounds, protecting the castle and the attendees from Sven and other threats that may appear.

Ms Mazar said it’s not often visitors are allowed to visit the grounds of Camelot Castle, and this event is a great opportunity.

“You can come out and see our very own medieval castle in our backyard while having the opportunity to interact and learn about the period of time it is based on,” she said.

“We’re also going to have some maps for the kids to come along, grab a map, go to certain locations at the fair, collect stickers, and then go into a draw to win a soft toy dragon.”

Themed costumes are very much welcome for anyone who would like to really immerse themselves in the experience.

The fair will go from 10am to 4pm at Camelot Castle, located at 2605 Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road in Yellingbo.