MEDIEVAL CARNIVALE

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Held in Balingup in the south west of Western Australia on the 4th weekend of August each year, this is an event that takes over the town with locals and visitors alike getting involved in the theme and dressing up in period costume.

We visited the carnival in 2011 and took a few pictures showing the effort many people go to, to make the event memorable.

The carnival features many types of entertainment. There are stalls selling food, local produce, crafts and all sorts of other items. The combat arena and stage are two popular areas where visitors congregate to watch the shows and other interesting exhibits include a blacksmith's forge, birds of prey, wagon rides and much more.

The event starts on Friday with a medieval feast. On Saturday the main event kicks into gear at 10am. Roving entertainers mingle with the crowds and fixed entertainments take place at different locations in the main carnival area.

On Saturday evening people staying on are treated to the burning of the dragon and the main carnival opens again at 10am on Sunday.

Entrance fees are quite reasonable with companion cards being accepted and children under 12 years of age admitted free.

For those who want to get into the spirit of the event but don't want to make their own costumes, there are costumes for hire at the event site. What is most impressive is the trouble many people go to in making their own costumes. Everything from fair maidens in silk gowns to knights in armour and men at arms in leather and chain mail.

The organisers do a fantastic job but it is the high level of participation by visitors that makes this event quite special.

Find out more about the carnival at the official website.

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