Birds of play swoop on Sheffield Tasmania Medieval Festival

Knights of old are showing their skills at the Sheffield Tasmania Medieval Festival this weekend.

Darrell Bossley (left) competes in a jousting tournament at the Sheffield Medieval Festival. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

IT’S not every day you get to see real life knights in shining amour or a falconry display.

But at this weekend’s Sheffield Tasmania Medieval Festival all that and more was on show as a crowd of thousands stepped back in time.

Highlights included the jousting, medieval combat, fancy dress competitions and archery.

The open combat sword competition at the Sheffield Tasmania Medieval Festival. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Keith Beattie was part of the fencing displays at the festival.

“We depicted duelling of the 16th century wearing attire of the Elizabethan era including capes, breeches, buckles and so on — very flamboyant clothing,” Mr Beattie said.

“To start the display we show the public our different weapons including daggers. Then we use those to duel.”

JOUST IN TIME FOR ALL THE ACTION

Mr Beattie said there were now several medieval festivals around Tasmania.

“I think it’s definitely growing.

“There’s so many aspects, like here we have the Tasmanian light horsemen displays, and archery and so on.

“It shows people a variety of things so if they want to get involved they’ve had a taster.”

Jade Dickinson with Zorro, a wedge-tail eagle, at the Sheffield Medieval Festival. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Jade Dickinson, from Victoria, was at the festival to conduct flight displays and falconry shows.

On display was Zorro, a wedge-tail eagle — Australia’s biggest bird of prey, weighing 3.5kg. He drew a large crowd at Sheffield.

The Sheffield Tasmania Medieval Festival continues today at the Sheffield Heritage Railway Grounds form 9am until 5.30pm.

Tickets are available on the gate, adults $6 and children under 16 $3.