By the Bel: Abbey here this Weekend

I spent time living on both Bribie Island and in Caboolture while I was growing up. The hottest thing on the calendar besides the Caboolture Show was the Abbey Tournament held at the Abbey Museum off Old Toorbul Point Road towards Bribie Island. (Basically, take the Bribie Island exit off the Bruce highway and follow the signs.)

Now you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy yourself at this grand event; you can be a bogan or moron and still have a damn good day out.  It was, and still is, the place to be seen on the July school holidays.  I still run into my school friends every time I attend.

They have workshops, jousting, displays, stalls, food and so many costumes you’d be mistaken for thinking you’d stepped back in time. For the second year in a row there will be a birds of prey element to the festival.  There is ALWAYS something happening around you; and, considering the event is in its 22nd year, you can believe me when I say it runs smoothly, like a well-oiled wheel.

Hubby and I are major photographic buffs and this event is a brilliant place to get some awesome live action photos of some of the most incredibly talented and fearless re-enactors I have ever had the pleasure to see. Not to mention the fact that some of the attendees put a huge amount of effort into their costuming; it would be a shame to not acknowledge their work in photos.

Here is a clip by rikki71 from the last year I was in attendance, ‘The Knights Order of Lion Rampant Greatest Hits of Abbey 2009’

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HasX55__Ywg&feature=fvsr

The clip is amazing. I can tell you, though it’s cool on YouTube, you don’t actually get a true idea of the strength, skill, and pure force of those blows unless you’re there on the spot, cheering them on.

The wandering Minstrels and the Jesters are also a highlight for me–so colourful, and again, talented. You can learn to make chain mail, shoot a few arrows with the archers, and *Boo* at the black knight as he spurs his trusty steed forward on the path towards his opponent in the jousting. Allow the atmosphere to wash over you and take in the sights and sounds of the Abbey Tournament, July 9th and 10th 2011. Tickets are available at the gate, and gates open at 9am.

I just might see you there.

xBelx