Canterbury Faire

Imagine the scene: 250 gentles garbed in soft wools and linens. Banners and pennons fly gently in the breeze that stirs the firs. Nearby is a coffee house, where stories of past renown and future conquest are spun, while spindles twirl a more tangible yarn. To one side, knights and nobles practice the arts martial, while consorts discuss bruise remedies. Flocks of charming children run errands when not playing on the lush green grass. A short walk away there is singing beside the waterhole and splashing in the cool deep waters. A hedgehog snuffles idly by.

Peter Jackson couldn't direct Canterbury Faire more perfectly than Southron Gaard. For a precious week, fairegoers step away from the mundane world to a place where clashes of arms see honour showered on victor and loser alike; where the gentle arts are taught and practiced at a pace that allows for true learning; where the Mangy Mongol coffee house keeps even the grumpiest in morning trim; and where theatre and music is always just about to happen.
...Canterbury Faire as seen by Duchess Yolande Kesteven

Come join us for feasting, fun and frolics at Canterbury Faire, hosted by the Barony of Southron Gaard. No mud, no dust, no venymous fauna!

Comfortable bunkrooms, hot showers, shady tent sites, optional meal plan, real toilets, enjoyable medieval pastimes from dawn 'til dusk, and then some.

Canterbury Faire 2011 provisional dates: Jan 29 (site opens 4pm) to Feb 6 inclusive (first two days are casual camping/setup, last day is packdown), Waipara, 45 minutes north of Christchurch, New Zealand (see directions)

Please note: the Faire is a private function rather than a public entertainment, hosted by the Barony of Southron Gaard. Guests and day visitors are most welcome so long as they observe our customs and wear medieval costume while attending. More information for people new to the SCA is available here, and you'll find these notes on common SCA conventions handy.