Chivalry could rule in Kimberley, B.C., as organizers mull medieval contest

Aug 5, 2016 | 3:55 PM

KIMBERLEY, B.C. — A southeastern British Columbia city could soon begin brushing up on heraldry, the chivalric code and everything medieval as it mulls a knightly proposal.

Two Alberta groups whose members take part in staged medieval battles want to know if Kimberley, B.C., would be interested in hosting an event linked to the International Medieval Combat Federation.

Members of Calgary-based Ironheart Vanguard and Blades of the Crimson Aurora from Edmonton travelled to Kimberley last month for a two-day medieval festival.

They liked what they saw and the organizer of the Kimberley event says the Alberta groups inquired about the city’s interest in a larger medieval celebration.

Michelle Forbes says it could be a good fit for Bavarian-themed Kimberley.

The world championships of the International Medieval Combat Federation were held in Portugal this year and attracted competitors from around the world.

“It’s relatively new in Canada,” Forbes says.

The International Medieval Combat Federation has members from Europe to North America and Japan, and hosts historically accurate combat martial arts competitions in the chivalric tradition.

A Medieval Faire in Brooks, Alta., has been running for 13 years, highlighting everything from a jousting tournament to swordfights and mythical creatures in costume. The largest event in Canada is in Montreal.  (CHBZ)

  

The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version that moved Tuesday said the world IMCF championship was held in Brazil. It also said the largest event was in Brooks, Alta., instead of Montreal.