Well the bank holiday weekend certainly lived up to British expectations weather wise. We had everything from howling wind, torrential rain and hail to bright sunshine and blue skies.
Not that the weather put folk off from coming down to Folklore, Legend and Myth weekend to browse the fine stalls, sample the best mead in the UK and generally enjoy the atmosphere on the recreation anglo-saxon farm in Jarrow. As well as the stalls there was a wondering troop of storytellers, the superbly talented "Moss Troopers" who kept the crowds entertained during the day and kept the living history teams spirits up during the long damp nights.
Wyld Fire not only had a trade stall, selling our usual fayre of horn and leather work, we also made our debut as a "proper" combat display group in our own right. Much fun was had swinging swords and slamming shields into each other. We were delighted to be told it looked "really real, you know"and to be asked by several of our spectators if we would we be able to train them! More on that to follow over the next month or so, hopefully.
Here are a few pictures from the weekend to whet your appetites for the next events we're at - 1000 years of traditional crafts in Lincoln (no fighting here sadly!) and then Viking Saturday (fighting here!!) with the brilliant bunch that are Viking Chester!
The stall in the glorious sunshine on Monday:
Shields and swords, ready for action:
A hastily formed defence by Gordon and Monty to see off the danger of Jez, the spearman:
It worked:
But he got wise to their tactics in round two and set out to divide and conquer - rather effectively:
Some cutting drills with Mark and Gordon, the key to success with a sword is lots of practice!
And a bit of man-on-man combat. Close fast and go for the kill!!
If all else fails a good old fashioned wrestle will see off your foe!
Thanks to Monty, Mark and Jez for joining Gordon for the combat.All pictures are provided by the superb Foto Couture.