Confession Time.

Never, not once, have I attended a festival.

Book fairs? Yes!

Festivals? Nope.

The Townsville Medieval & Fantasy Festival caught my attention. Sounded like my tribe. How could I not attend? Without experience, and being an inaugural event, I had no expectations. Also, I had no costume, only my usual attire. That would suffice.

I packed my usual market inventory x2, plus a purchased for the occassion gazebo, which we’d practised erecting in the living room. My husband insisted I packed more books. “You don’t want to run out, take more than you think you’ll need.” We filled the car to capacity.

Not wanting to do an overnight – who would feed the cats – I rose at 10:30pm on Friday evening, deswampified, and set out at 12:30am Saturday morning.

Driving through the early hours is magical. A cone of light becomes the known universe and dragon breath swirls in pearlescent drifts. Each curve in the road or break in the tropical forest canopy could reveal a wild dragon. Or a wallaby.

Costochondritis flared only 25 minutes into the journey. Stubborn as always, I refused to let my husband drive until we stopped for coffee 3 hrs into the trip. Knowing I’d be perched on a stool or standing all day meant I had to be careful with my prescription medication, which make me drowsy.

We arrived at the site just before dawn. Tints of rose and tangerine painted the skies and blackness gave way to a silvery gloaming.

Kirra Hone, event organiser, fully costumed, met us with a cheery greeting and showed us to our spot.

Tired, in pain, and cold, I hunkered on a camp chair while my husband performed his magic with the gazebo and a battery operated drill.

“You missed that.”

Being shortsighted, I miss a lot. “What?”

“A Roman centurion.”

Sure enough, a chap in full regalia strolled past a few minutes later. “Morning,” he said, as though wandering around in full centurion armour at 6:30am was perfectly normal. The best security official I’ve ever seen.

The variety and quality of costumes worn by vendors, organisers, and attendees were incredible. I am certain some people must have sweated half their body weight under layers of fur, leather, wool, and armour! The commitment necessary to carry off an entire day role-play in above 30* heat is astounding.

I didn’t have an opportunity to wander and see the sights – too busy selling almost 100 books – but the passing parade of costumes, the live music, and the animal calls were thoroughly entertaining.

From babes-in-arms to grandparents, everyone I saw and spoke with enjoyed their day. An organiser approached my stall to ask if anyone has lost some children. He pointed to a row of younglings seated on a low wall across from my stall. “They’re mine,” the customer said, after an over the shoulder glance “I left them in the shade.” A second look revealed the organiser had handed icy-poles to children “because they looked hot”. Random acts of kindness like this were a signature of the event.

Vendors and performers created a unique and thrilling atmosphere. When the attendees flooded through the gates, I was agog at the creative costumes and accessories. The level of imagination and amount of work poured into their creation boggled my mind.

The temperature rose inexorably, much higher than I anticipated. A Queensland winter’s day is never really cold. I discarded my bear fur wrap, then my coat. Those who remained in full costume throughout the sweltering afternoon earned my awe and undying respect.

The entire day was utterly amazing. So many wonderful smiling revellers gathered to enjoy themselves and brimming with positive energy; so much to see and do; then the abundance of mouthwatering comestibles. A magical vibe.

The joyful atmosphere and the utter dedication of all who participated to make this event happen filled my heart with joy.

To the magical and enchanting folk who interacted with me, and bought my books: “thank you”.

The absolutely best day out I can remember.

Already looking forward to next year’s event, which promises to be even more spectacular!

Might even sew myself a fantasy costume.