‘Unforeseen circumstances’ force Barossa Medieval Fair to ‘lay down arms’ and cancel its 2025 event

A popular Barossa event that takes attendees back in time has been forced to cancel this year’s festival, just weeks before it kicked off.

Barossa Medieval Fair in Lyndoch. Action in the Combat Arena. 19th August 2023. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The popular Barossa Medieval Fair that attracts thousands of patrons to the region each year has needed to “lay arms down”, announcing the cancellation of its 2025 event.

Normally held in August, the fair showcases medieval re-enactments, including knights in dinted armour, battling with sword and shield, a costumed Roman legion performing a Fulminata march, and hundreds of costumed folk walking around the Lyndoch Village Green.

Barossa Medieval Fair in Lyndoch has been cancelled for 2025. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“It is with great sorrow and parting sadness, that we are made to announce the cancellation of the 2025 Barossa Medieval Fair,” the organisers said in a Facebook post on Monday.

“It has been a hard decision to make and one that most certainly is not without due consideration and understanding how this will affect the many involved.

“With personal issues and unforeseen circumstances on the horizon, this year’s battle has sadly needed to lay arms down.

“We deeply and sincerely apologise for the delay and inconvenience this may have caused all of the fantastic participants and supporters.”

The Barossa event first started in 2019, creating an opportunity for re-enactment groups, vendors, and families to have some fun in an historical setting.

Barossa Medieval Fair in Lyndoch. Picture: Brett Hartwig

However, it is not the only of its kind in the state, there also being the SA Medieval Fair at Paracombe, and the Gumeracha Medieval and Rare Trades Festival.

Despite the disappointing news of the cancellation, it was met with support online, one man saying “the best thing about the medieval fair is everything it stands for”.

“Thank you for sharing this difficult decision with all of us who enjoy the re-enactment gatherings and fairs in South Australia. Looking forward to next time and thank you to all of the organisers, groups, entertainers and vendors who are involved in times past and looking forward to future opportunities,” another woman said.

Organisers said they hoped to bring an “all-new”, “bigger and better” event back to the Barossa in 2026.