COSTUMING AND WEAPONS
Weapon Permits
Online weapon permit applications are now closed.
All Festival patrons planning to bring a weapon as part of their costume (including those made of foam) must apply for a non-re-enactor’s weapons permit.
As the online Weapon Pass application is now closed, please report to the Sheriff’s office (located near the entry gates to the Festival site) upon entry to the Festival on the day ($7.50 cost).
PLEASE NOTE: Submission of this application DOES NOT guarantee that you will be granted a permit.
Due to the fact that over 80% of previous applicants attempt to have the Public Safety Team store their weapons, there will now be a $5 fee for all permits. Cost at Event $7.50.
This fee will allow unlimited access to the “cloak-room” for your weapon(s).
Is the pass valid for weekend?
The weapons pass is valid for the weekend and covers up to 3 weapons listed. Any further weapons are to be flagged with ERMS after submitting your application.
Adults and Foam Swords/Weapons
If foam swords/weapons do not have an internal rod for stability you will not need to get a pass. The purpose of the pass is to declare compliance with the rules and that your item is safe and will not be misused/waved around/pose a hazard to fellow guests.
Do I need a weapons pass for a staff?
A staff will not need a weapons pass providing it does not have any sharp points. This means if the staff is topped with stones or crystals you may be required to obtain a weapons pass for safety considerations.
Children with Timber/Plastic Toy weapons
Children <10years with timber/toy/plastic swords are NOT required to obtain a pass however children are expected under the duty of care of their adult guardian NOT to swing and wave their swords/weapons around. This is for the safety and comfort of other guests. Children are not to be play fighting with others in areas including but not limited to Market Area, Encampments, performance zones. We want to ensure all patrons including children are safe and avoid injury inflicted from play fights.
Age requirement for weapon passes?
Age would be considered in line with their ticket, a child ticket for the festival is 5-14 years, so would fall under adult entry and need a pass. However any replica weapon carried by a child 10+ years (that is not plastic or foam) would also require a pass and need to be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need a pass if purchasing weapons from a vendor on the weekend?
Vendors are required to have appropriate packaging and follow rules with regards to sale of swords and weapons. (Similar to buying mead/liquor licencing, how rules are in place that it must be enclosed in a bag and not consumed on site)
If you wish to wear it as part of your costume and take it out of the packaging, you’ll have to head over to security at the Sheriffs office to get a pass.
I'm uncertain if I need a pass?
If you’re unsure if your weapon requires a pass, it may be best to purchase as a precaution. The purpose of the pass is also about safe practices and duty of disclosure that your ‘weapon’ is safe and isn’t hiding any sharp objects or that you will conduct yourself safely in a crowd scenario. You can opt not to get a pass and you will be advised by security if it is necessary and will be sent to the security tent on the day.
Immerse Yourself
The Abbey Medieval Festival encourages visitors who want to truly immerse themselves in the medieval experience to wear a medieval costume.
You can become part of our Festival’s story by wearing historically appropriate medieval garb or your own fantastical creation.
If you want to include a sword or other weapon as part of your costume, you will need to obtain a weapons permit online or by reporting to the Sheriff’s office at the event.
Here are some suppliers for medieval-inspired garments and costumes to help get you started:
Costuming and Accessories
Make Your Own Medieval, Esford Armory, Medieval Fight Club, Historic Enterprises (USA).
Costuming Makers
Create your Own
If you want to get more involved in making your costume, there are a large number of tutorials and how to guides online. A couple we personally recommend are:
Reconstructing History, Rosalie’s Medieval Woman, Lulus – Sewing Patterns and Guides
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
