Huge crowds turned out both Saturday and Sunday for the first Kimberley Medieval Festival.
“It was amazing,” said Festival organizer Michelle Forbes. “We estimate we had about 7000 people on Saturday and 3000 on Sunday. The Sons of Fenrir said it was the most fun they had had in a long time. They were able to do all kinds of things they don’t normally get to do. They even fought on the climbing wall.”
Kids appeared fascinated by the entire experience, from the authentic Viking village at Coronation Park to the various Viking crafts to the battle re-enactments and sagas. Perhaps most popular, Forbes says, were the opportunities for children to fight the Vikings after the battles.
“That was so popular. The kids loved it. My daughter went back three times.”
The festival kept people moving between Coronation Park and the Platzl all weekend with battle re-enactments in both venues, vendors, demos of archery and coin striking and more.
The Sons of Fenrir are re-enactors that portray the Scandinavian peoples and culture from circa 800-950. Heralding from Calgary, Alberta, their aim is to, as accurately as possible, bring to life what it was like to fight and live in a roving Norse war band. And they truly did that, selling every battle and saga with great enthusiasm. With enthusiastic crowds cheering them on, the Sons of Fenrir put on a great show all weekend.
Kimberley hopes they return again.