Medieval Fairs Aren't Just for Show: How to Join the Real History

Is a medieval fair just for spectators, or can you actually join in?

You've seen the photos: knights in armor, ladies in gowns, the smell of roasted meat. You think, “I want to do that.” Good news: you can. In the UK alone, over 18,000 people volunteer in historical reenactment groups (British Library oral history). And medieval is the most popular era to reenact—it accounts for 50% of all events in a study of Catalonia (EXARC / Catalonia reenactment study). So if you're drawn to the Middle Ages, you're not alone. But don't just show up in a costume and expect to be embraced. Here's how to get involved the right way.

What's the difference between a medieval fair and a living history event?

You need to know what you're getting into. A fair is often a spectacle—jousting, stalls, maybe some falconry. A living history event is different: it's about immersive, everyday life. Plimoth Patuxet Museums, for example, tells the interwoven stories of English and Native cultures in 17th-century Plymouth Colony (Plimoth Patuxet Museums (About)). That's the gold standard. At a living history event, you're not just watching; you're doing. You're cooking, sewing, or maybe even blacksmithing. If you want to learn, look for events that emphasize living history over pure spectacle. The Catalonia study found that activities linked to experimental archaeology are virtually non-existent—under 5% of proposals (EXARC Journal 2019/1 (Catalonia study PDF)). That's a missed opportunity, but it also means the field is wide open for you to bring a more hands-on approach.

Do I need to be a history expert to participate?

No. You need passion and a willingness to learn. Many groups welcome beginners. The British Library oral history project recorded interviews with reenactors aged 23 to 61 (British Library oral history). So whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, there's a place for you. Start by attending a few events as a visitor. Talk to the participants. Ask questions. Most are thrilled to share their knowledge. Then, when you find a group whose vibe you like, ask about joining. You'll likely start as a “camp follower” or a recruit, learning the ropes. Don't worry about making mistakes—everyone started somewhere.

Aren't these events just for kids or families?

That's a common misconception. While families are welcome, many events are adult-oriented. The Battle of Evesham Medieval Festival, for instance, drew an estimated 60,000 visitors and over 1,000 reenactors from across Europe (British Library oral history). That's a massive adult crowd. And the 1066 Battle of Hastings reenactment, held annually by English Heritage, is a serious historical event (English Heritage (1066 Battle of Hastings press release)). So don't think you're too old or too sophisticated. If you're into history, you'll find your people.

How much does it cost to get involved?

It can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. You can start with simple clothing—a tunic and trousers—for under $100. But if you want high-quality armor or a full kit, costs can soar. The Catalonia study found that the sum of all event budgets for 115 annual reenactment events amounts to around 3 million euros per year (EXARC Journal 2019/1 (Catalonia study PDF)). That's an average of about 26,000 euros per event, but that's for the event itself, not your kit. Your group may have loaner gear for beginners. And don't forget, you'll need to pay for travel, accommodation, and sometimes event fees. But many groups are nonprofit and keep costs low. Start small, borrow where you can, and build your kit over time.

Where do I find these events and groups?

Start online. Look for national organizations like the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA) if you're interested in Highland games, or search for historical reenactment groups in your area. The Catalonia study noted that only 20% of events have their own website, 18% have a Facebook page, and 9% have a Twitter account (EXARC Journal 2019/1 (Catalonia study PDF)). So social media is a mixed bag. But there are larger directories and forums where groups advertise. Also, check out heritage sites like English Heritage, which cares for over 400 historic sites and hosts events (English Heritage (UK Parliament written evidence)). They'll often have links to reenactment groups. And don't forget local museums—they sometimes host living history days and can point you to local groups.

What's the single most important thing to remember?

Reenactment is not about being perfect—it's about being present. You're not a museum exhibit; you're a storyteller. The goal is to help visitors feel what life was like, not to deliver a lecture. So don't stress about every stitch or buckle. Focus on the experience. And above all, have fun. If you're not enjoying it, you're doing it wrong.

Sources

• EXARC / Catalonia reenactment study - https://dev.exarc.net/issue-2019-1/int/current-trends-annual-historical-re-enactments-events-catalonia
• British Library oral history - https://www.bl.uk/stories/blogs/posts/re-enactments-authentic-history-or-just-dressing-up
• Plimoth Patuxet Museums (About) - https://plimoth.org/about
• English Heritage (1066 Battle of Hastings press release) - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/search-news/1066-battle-of-hastings-represented/
• EXARC Journal 2019/1 (Catalonia study PDF) - https://www.exarc.net/sites/default/files/2026-02/Current%20Trends%20in%20Annual%20Historical%20Re-Enactments%20Events%20in%20Catalonia.%20Uses%20of%20Cultural%20Heritage%20_%20The%20EXARC%20Journal.pdf
• English Heritage (UK Parliament written evidence) - https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/167135/html/