Bringing history to life at Abbeystowe

Photo: courtesy of Mia Swanson

More than 3000 people enjoyed a ‘journey through time’ during the History Alive event at Caboolture’s Abbeystowe on September 7 and 8.

See the photo gallery at the end of this story.

History Alive, presented by the team behind Abbey Medieval Festival, showcased periods throughout time, from Ancient Rome to WWII, with more than 30 re-enactment groups demonstrating battles, craft and life over 2000 years to 1944.

Visitors enjoyed demonstrations of musket firing, Japanese samurai combat, WWI and WWII vehicles including Australia’s only WWI Model T Ford, medieval combat, buhurt and Turkish Ottoman archery, as well as historical presentations and workshops.

The Moreton Bay Arena hosted presentations, including a Joust Spectacular and Free Flight Falconry show by Marcus’ Falconry.

Jousters Luke Binks, Amanda Challen and Mark Price entertained with a Skill at Arms followed by a joust demonstration. Sir Luke took top points on Saturday and Sir Mark won the points score on Sunday.

Caboolture War Plane Museum and Brisbane Biplanes provided a spectacular flypast each day, with a Saturday formation of nine vintage biplanes, followed by a North American T28 Trojan on Sunday.

The Abbeystowe Village Markets offered a shopping and feasting retreat in the cool shade, while Professor Wallace’s Puppets entertained children on Sunday.

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn some fancy footwork at the Abbeystowe Music Hall, with musical performances and dance workshops all weekend, including Medieval dance workshops, and Regency and Maypole dancing.

Mood Music Musicians provided 1920s swing music and dancers, and Tensui Australia presented performances of the Japanese Awa Odori.

Abbey Museum Chairperson Edith Cuffe says: “For many years we have hosted the Abbey Medieval Festival with all the colour and pageantry of the Middle Ages.

“The Abbey Museum’s collection covers a much broader history and if you were to visit our museum you will see displays from prehistoric Europe through to the Victorian era and the Industrial Revolution.

There are also remarkable artefacts from the Classic and Ancient worlds. It was wonderful to see a broader range of cultures and time periods in history presented in displays and performances across the weekend.”

History Alive at Abbeystowe partnered with Queensland Living History Federation and was supported by major sponsors City of Moreton Bay, ERMS Group and Visit Moreton Bay.

This event is a fundraising endeavour supporting the Abbey Museum and Queensland Living History Federation.

See the photo gallery (click through)

Photos by Mia Swanson, Brett Croese and Traceydee Photography.