ARMIDALE returned to the Dark Ages over Easter as more than 200 medieval re-enactors gathered in the pine forest for a weekend of fun and frivolity.
All participants in the New England Medieval Arts Society-hosted event remained in costume over the course of the long weekend.
Activities included full-scale combat battles, archery competitions, axe throwing and horse sports.
The traditional markets proved popular, as did the Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning for children who came with their parents.
The New England Medieval Arts Society also opened the event to the public on Monday for a three-hour window.
It was the first time in many years the public were able to witness the happenings inside the pine forest.
Onlooker Kevin Dawson said he was amazed at the amount of effort put into costumes.
“They look the real deal,” he said.
“If you just stumbled past this through the forest you would think you’ve stepped back in time.”
