The Abbey Medieval Festival Awarded Best In Australia

The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology is incredibly proud to share that the Abbey Medieval Festival has been awarded GOLD in Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards, recognising the event as the best in Australia in its category.

Following our Queensland Tourism Industry Council – QTIC Tourism Awards win, it was an honour to represent Queensland and the City of Moreton Bay on the national stage.
This achievement reflects the dedication of an extraordinary community who help bring the Abbey Medieval Festival to life each year.

To our Festival Coordination team (some of whom are tagged below) – your passion, commitment and drive for excellence continue to shape the Festival into one of Australia’s most unique and immersive cultural events.

To our valued sponsors and partners – your support allows us to continually enhance the visitor experience.
We were delighted to share the evening with our Accessibility Manager, Josephine Mitchell-Taylor from In Quiet Company, and Safety and Security Manager, Andrew Murray (JP, MPA) from Emergency and Risk Management Services Group, whose professional expertise and leadership contributed to the Festival’s strong performance in the Accessibility and Safety & Security judging criteria.

Together, with support of Tourism and Events Moreton Bay & Tourism and Events Queensland, we are proud to showcase Moreton Bay on the national tourism stage.

To the Abbey Museum team – whose work behind the scenes throughout the year ensures our historical events and programs continue to thrive.

To our reenactors, performers and stallholders – more than 1,000 passionate participants who dedicate their time, skills and research to recreating history with authenticity and care. Your living history encampments, demonstrations and performances are what make the Festival truly unforgettable.

To our volunteers – over 300 dedicated individuals who proudly don the blue and red tabards each year. Your warmth, enthusiasm and commitment create the welcoming atmosphere our visitors love.

To the Lord and Lady of Abbeystowe – Edith Cuffe OAM and Michael Strong, whose vision began 35 years ago on the lawns of the Abbey Church, then to the fields of St Michaels College, at last to the purpose-built facilities that now exist at Abbeystowe. They have created a legacy that is now recognised across the country.

And finally, to our visitors and supporters who make the pilgrimage to Abbeystowe each year – your enthusiasm, feedback and continued support are the heart of this Festival.

With two GOLD awards in 2026 – both Queensland and National level – and as we prepare to celebrate 35 years of the Abbey Medieval Festival, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey since 1989.

Here’s to continuing to bring history to life for generations to come.