The Vikings are coming!

The Kimberley City Bakery Medieval Festival is set for the weekend of July 9 to 10.

The Viking reenactment group, The Sons of Fenrir. — Photo by Julie Matchett

Make haste, ye fine folk—dreamers of days gone by, wanderers in search of whimsy, adventurers young and old. Don thy garb and prepare to make merry . . . for the Vikings are coming!

From a modest start last year, the second annual Kimberley City Bakery Medieval Festival is set for the weekend of July 9 to 10 at various venues around the mountain city. The brainchild of Eric and Michelle Forbes of Kimberley City Bakery, the festival began from an idea that Kimberley needed something new. Facing an aging population and volunteer burnout, it was clear that a kickstart was needed to get people excited again. With a strict budget of $5,000, word-of-mouth and local advertising, the Forbes set a goal of attracting 1,000 people to the city. The success of the festival went beyond their wildest dreams—10,000 people took in the two-day event, and this year promises to be even bigger.

A display of Viking armour and weaponry. — Photo by Julie Matchett

The Sons of Fenrir, a Viking re-enactment group hailing from Calgary, will be back this year setting up their authentic Viking village in Centennial Field. Aiming to provide a glimpse into what life was like for a roving Norse warband circa 800 to 950, the group recreates (as accurately as possible) the culture of these Scandinavian peoples. From hand-forged weapons and armour to authentic period crafting and storytelling, taking a wander through the village is a step back in time. Interactive displays are set up, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in Viking culture—discover the intricacies of Viking wire weaving, hand stamping of coins, traditional cooking methods and fabric arts. Not to be missed is the live steel combat and archery demonstrations, using authentic period weapons. Joining the Sons of Fenrir this year are: the Kelowna-based Úlfhéðnar (pronounced oolf-heth-nar)—a living history group dedicated to portraying life in the early Viking age; The Gilded Swan, a band of warriors and merchants, craftsmen and artists who recreate the life of an 11th century trading company from Kiev; and the National Chivalric Combat Federation, a group dedicated to holding traditional knightly tournaments and promoting the sport of full-contact medieval combat in Canada. Merchants and tradesfolk will be set up in the village, hawking their wares.

Children get in on the action—battle with the Vikings. — Photo by Julie Matchett

Saturday morning will feature a parade down Wallinger Avenue, ending at the gazebo in the Platz. Visitors will find the area dedicated to hosting period demonstrations, face painting and activities for the kids, and slack-line sword fighting.  Adding to the festive atmosphere are several musical guests who will be performing throughout the event—regale in the songs, stories and poetry of the Merrie Minstrel Finkleman, and hark to the spirited tunes of fiddle player Lennan Delaney. A “no-silverware” Viking-style Medieval Feast, sponsored by the Kimberley Elks Club, is being held on Saturday evening—drink mead and make merry with the Vikings! A very special event slated for Sunday morning is a medieval mass in the Platzl, featuring the Vancouver-based vocal ensemble Cantus Firmus—the service will be conducted in High Latin and Gregorian chant.

A display of Viking period crafts. — Photo by Julie Matchett

The Kimberley City Bakery Medieval Festival is a top-notch local event—family friendly and free, it guarantees a grand time for all. My own family took in the event last year (dressed in our medieval finery—garb is optional . . . but it does add to the fun). I think the highlight for my seven-year-old son was the chance to fight the Vikings. Equipped with soft foam swords, the kids are let loose on the battlefield to wreak havoc—the sight of a horde of screeching, screaming children is enough to send even the most battle-hardened Viking running for the hills. Oh, and being captured and chained in the Barbarian’s den, full of skulls and bones, was a big thrill too!

The den of the Barbarian. — Photo by Julie Matchett

At the heart of this event is Eric and Michelle Forbe’s strong desire to keep the festival free—says Michelle, “Not everyone has the money to attend events like this. Once people pay an admission for themselves and their kids, there’s nothing left over. We wanted to make something that is accessible to everybody.” It takes a lot of hard work, determination and passion for a festival to succeed year after year—it’s through the concerted effort of a community, local businesses and participants that the event continues to succeed. It is this vision that the Forbes hold for the future. For more information about the event, feast tickets and volunteer opportunities, visit the Kimberley City Bakery Medieval Festival Facebook page here. Donations are gratefully accepted on the festival’s GoFundMe page.