Steel clashes in the combat ring as crowds gather at Lilac Hill Park in the historical suburb of Guildford.
Phones raised high to film knights in full armour battling before cheering parents and children.
Nearby, market stalls overflow with leatherwork, swords and trinkets while minstrels, harpists and fiddlers play their tunes among thousands of attendees dressed in corsets, cloaks and flower crowns.
Among them is Shelley McCaw, carrying a dragon puppet named Nightshadow.
“Coming here with the dragon and having everyone go, ‘Oh, that’s so cool!’” she says is a highlight, adjusting the intricately detailed creature perched on her arm.
The annual fayre has become one of Perth’s largest fantasy and historical recreation events, drawing crowds far beyond traditional medieval enthusiast circles.
In 2026, medieval culture is no longer confined to niche hobby groups, it has become internet culture, community gathering and escapism rolled into one.
Medieval aesthetics have increasingly re-entered mainstream culture through fantasy games, cosplay communities and social media humour.
Online creators have embraced “ye olde” aesthetics through skits, fashion and fantasy roleplay, while series like Royal Court, hosted by Brittany Broski, reimagine celebrity interviews inside chaotic medieval fantasy settings.
At the Guildford Medieval Fayre, that online fascination becomes tangible.
For Shelley, the appeal lies partly in escaping the pressures of modern life.
“It was a simpler time. We didn’t have social media for one thing,” she says.
“Life was harder and life expectancy was shorter, but people really worried about eat, work, sleep and raise kids. Now you didn’t have all the pressures of modern society.”
Fantasy also plays a major role.
“I’m a big fan of Lord of the Rings,” she says.
“It’s a celebration of all things medieval and fantasy.”
Around the fairgrounds, visitors queue for refreshments among the various food vans while others browse handmade jewellery, historical calligraphy and artisan crafts. Many attendees arrive in elaborate costumes, blending fantasy influences with historical inspiration.
“It’s just the vibe,” Shelley says. “Yeah, it’s got such a great vibe.”
Groups like the Society of Creative Anachronism help bring that atmosphere to life.
The international historical recreation group specialises in pre-17th century history through combat, sewing, cooking, musicand traditional crafts.
“We are a historical recreation group, like living history,” says Ambrose, a member of the organisation’s local chapter.
“We specialise in anything pre-17th century…everything from combat to sewing, cooking, dancing, music.”
For many participants, medieval recreation offers a balance between fantasy, creativity and historical interest.
“We get to explore these periods of time and elements of fantasy without all the bad things of those times,” Ambrose says.
“We have indoor plumbing, we’ve got internet.”
The appeal is also social.
“A very big draw is getting to beat up your friends with swords and sticks,” Ambrose laughs.
Despite the organisation’s focus on historical inspiration, members embrace creativity over strict authenticity.
“This is a German chemise with an Italian dress,” Ambrose says, gesturing to their outfit. “It’s anachronistic. It’s fun.”
The growing popularity of events like the Guildford Medieval Fayre is no longer confined to small hobby communities.
Organisers estimated this year’s attendance exceeded 35,000 people, significantly larger than previous years and large enough to prompt the event’s move from Guildford’s Stirling Square to the larger Lilac Hill Park.
Heavy traffic and delays drew criticism online throughout the day, with organisers later stating that Barker Bridge works and traffic restrictions contributed to congestion issues.
Still, the overwhelming turnout demonstrated how fantasy and medieval culture has expanded far beyond niche fandom spaces.
As crowds gathered around knights and dragons at Lilac Hill Park, the medieval revival felt less like historical reenactment and more like a modern response to digital exhaustion, part performance, part fandom and part escape from life as we know it today.
Nicola Kinnane
Nicola Kinnane is a Perth-based actor studying at ECU. Alongside her creative practice, she writes on mental health and contemporary social issues, approaching journalism as an extension of her interest in character, empathy and lived experience.
