Back to the past at medieval fayre
Enjoy crafts, music and food
The Fair City is getting ready to turn back the clock this weekend as it looks forward to a day of historical fun.
Perth’s Medieval Fayre will take place across the city centre from noon until 5pm on Saturday, August 12, in a celebration of the city’s ancient roots and rich medieval past.
Perth played an important and central role in medieval Scotland, particularly during the reign of King James I of Scotland (14061437).
King James I did most of his ruling from Perth, and had hoped to make the Fair City the capital.
Further plans to build a charterhouse – a medieval precursor to a parliament – foundered as he became deeply unpopular and was murdered by political assassins in the sewers underneath the Blackfriars Monastery in Perth in 1437.
Saturday’s event will include the chance to try a number of traditional skills from the Middle Ages including hand and wheel spinning, loom weaving, woodcarving, live metal casting and traditional shield heraldry.
The School of Ancient Crafts will be visiting on the day to teach calligraphy, and there will also be medieval-themed puppet making.
Those who misbehave at the fayre my find themselves in the stocks as street entertainment, as the Scottish Knights of Monymusk from Aberdeenshire look forward to setting up their medieval crime and punishment demonstrations.
The Company of St Margaret, a medieval re-enactment group from Edinburgh who specialise in the Scottish Wars of Independence and the English Wars of the Roses, is also going to be creating a medieval encampment to enjoy.
Further entertainment will come in the form of medieval drum music and a pipe band, with food including a spit-roast from Comrie-based Highland Spitroasts, Arbroath Smokies, and traditional mead from local firm The Rookery.
Little ones will also be able to enjoy exploring 12th century Perth on Minecraft at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
Creative period costumes will be the order of the day