What to do at Canterbury Faire (detail may change when the event planning is under way)
Canterbury Faire includes a remarkably broad range of activities, we like to think that there's something for everyone. Timing and further details is available from the Schedules page.
If you wish to offer to help with anything noted here, or have ideas for other possible activities, please contact the Faire Steward.
Overview of Activities for 2025
Activities are listed in no particular order each day
Entertainments
Revellers Greene Theatre
If you would like to present a song, play, poem, musical item or the like of a period or perioid nature, please contact the Faire Steward.
The Ball
Want to get all dressed up and dance the night away? The ball is the place for you - and there's even classes during the week so you can learn some of the dances you may not have done before.
There's often a theme for each Ball, and this time, the theme will be "Hats Through the Ages". Come along wearing a hat. What is a Hat? A hat is a thing worn on your head. It may be old or new, large or small, decorated or plain, any colour. There are many possibilities. Between each of the sets, there will be demonstration dances or other spectacles, involving hats. The time-honoured Tassel Kick will be one of these. Time to brush up on your Galliard stepping. There will be a competition running throughout the evening, and hats will be part of that competition. Be warned, you’ll need to stay observant to catch all the clues.
See this page for more details about the dances, and how to help with the music...
Bedtime Stories
By popular demand, Sir Philippe returns with Bedtime stories!
Storytime for Adults
High chivalry had some pretty low behaviour at times. Stay after the watershed at bedtime stories, to hear rude tales, dodgy song lyrics and decadent poetry from the best writers, for presentation to a discerning audience. Feel free to bring your own selections.
Please note, this material is likely to involve descriptions of immoral activities and/or strong language (yes *those* Anglo-Saxonisms...). If that is likely to offend, best not attend.
Markets
Merchants of good standing are welcome to display their wares at Canterbury Faire. All merchants are welcome and no Faire taxes are charged for any who have goods to sell.
Should you wish to let Faire-goers know of your fine wares, we would be delighted to provide you with space in this venue to post your news and announcements. This may prove particularly advantageous for those travelling from far afield, to both whet the appetite of potential customers and, possibly, to provide a point of contact for any who wish to arrange a pre-order so you can be confident of sales.
Contact us about merchanting at Faire
Arts & Sciences
Classes & workshops
Arts & Sciences activities for Canterbury Faire include classes or workshops throughout the event. If you wish to run a workshop or class, or if there is something that you are eager to learn contact our A&S coordinator.
Arts Display
An arts & sciences display will also be held. This is not a competition, it is an opportunity to display your work, show off projects both completed and underway and enthuse and get feedback about new things you are learning. Documentation is heartily encouraged, but is not required - if possible do make time to stay with your display so that people can ask you about it.
Coppergate
Next to the Mong is the Coopergate artisanal area, open to anyone who wants to make stuff, watch stuff being made or learn or teach such stuff. Coppergate is named for the woodworkers you'll find there, but there is also a shavings-free area for fibre stuff folk and anyone else. Some scheduled classes are held here, and sometimes stuff just happens. Come along and have a look or a go!
(Couple of things to note: please check first if tools are available for use, and youngsters should be closely supervised -- some of those things are wicked sharp!)
Guild meetings and activities
Lochac Brewers, Vintners and Imbibers Guild
The Lochac Brewers, Vintners and Imbibers Guild regularly run a Tasting and Competition at Faire. Check the Schedule for more details.
Sports
Combat and related activities at Canterbury Faire are a big attraction. There are multiple sessions for archery, rapier and armoured combat, including 'have a go' sessions during the week.
War
Locally, this is our big chance to get some war fighting in and scenarios are on most days over the course of the event. Please contact our war steward for details.
Heavy Tournaments
As well as war fighting there will be a number of tournaments where our fighters can demonstrate their chivalry on the field.
Fencing/Rapier
Contact the Rapier Steward for further details about fencing at Faire.
Archery
The target archery field is on the top level behind the main kitchen and is active for much of the event. Please note that the SCA has safety requirements for archery which must be complied with. Contact the Archery steward for more information.
Thorfyd’s Arrow
This is the traditional Canterbury Faire archer’s duel. Two brave fighters act as targets, representing each duelling archer. Two archers compete in each round, and when an archer hits their target the opposing archer is killed. This will be fought as a double elimination tournament.
Thorfyd’s Arrow will be presented to the winner of this event.