HUZZAH! A Gold win for the Abbey Medieval Festival at the QLD Tourism Awards

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology is proud to announce that the Abbey Medieval Festival has been awarded Gold in the Festivals and Events category at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Tourism Awards.

This incredible achievement recognises the dedication and passion of the Abbey team, volunteers, reenactment community, and sponsors who bring Australia’s largest medieval living history event to life each year.

Since returning in 2022 after two consecutive years of COVID shutdowns, the Abbey Medieval Festival has gone from strength to strength, growing its audiences, expanding accessibility initiatives, and strengthening community engagement across the Moreton Bay Region. The 2025 recognition marks a major milestone as the Festival looks ahead to celebrating its 35th year in 2026 and representing Moreton Bay at the Australian Tourism Awards in March.

Festival and Events Director, Joel Stephens, said the win is testament to the enduring commitment of the Museum and its supporters:

“This award reflects the collective effort of our small but dedicated team, our 300+ volunteers, more than 1,000 passionate reenactors, performers and speciality stallholders, and the 30,000 visitors who make the pilgrimage to Abbeystowe every July. It’s an honour to share this recognition with all who make the Festival such a cherished part of Queensland’s cultural landscape.”

The Abbey Medieval Festival also acknowledges its fellow finalists in the Festivals and Events category, recognising the creativity, commitment and contribution each event makes to Queensland’s vibrant tourism landscape.

The Abbey Medieval Festival extends sincere thanks to its Major sponsors and supporters, including Tourism and Events Queensland, City of Moreton Bay, Tourism and Events Moreton Bay, North Harbour, and ERMS Group, as well as accessibility partner In Quiet Company, whose work strengthened this year’s winning submission.