THE clash of swords against shields will be heard around Mid Wales this summer as attendees at Festival in the Shire (August 13, 14 and 15 at Pafiliwn Bont, Pontrhydfendigaid) battle for Middle Earth.
The Festival comprises of three separate events. An academic conference, fan event and general festival all celebrating themes inspired by Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien and fantasy in general. This three-day festival has something for everyone. From casual to avid fans and families or just anyone looking for a fun day out, Festival in the Shire offers a daily programme of Tolkien inspired activities, a large fair featuring arts, a variety of Celtic crafts, the opportunity to sample local Welsh food alongside a wide variety of entertainment, including Celtic music, talks, Tolkien inspired re-enactments, storytelling and other performance art together with a myriad of other fantasy related events!
The exciting and unique interactive live theatre experience will allow festival attendees to get into the spirit of things by dressing up in costume and creating their own Middle Earth character. Attendees will then be invited to participate in thrilling (and safe) battle re-enactments, dancing and performances all in the style and fashion of Middle Earth.
Professor Tolkien’s world of Orcs, Goblins, Hobbits and Elves inspires people to put on costumes, gird themselves with armour and weapons or the accoutrements of a scholar or healer, and travel out to the countryside to recreate worlds, which have sprung from the broad and glistening landscape of Middle Earth. Live role-play events include battles that can range from between ten people up to thousands as well as the singing and dancing of the survivors in the tavern, the race to save hostages, finding clues to make sense of a riddle or the right words at the right time to stop bloodshed and seal a pact. Festival attendee’s can participate by creating characters that have adventures, clash in the battles of history, dance with the Elves, sing with the Children of Man or run amok with the Orcs and Wild Men.
Festival in the Shire is running for three days from August 13 to 15 at Pafiliwn Bont, Pontrhydfendigaid near Aberystwyth - held in a large indoor venue with room to move outside if the sun does shine! Go to www.festivalintheshire.com or free phone 0800 6125469 for more information or tickets.