29.6.2012

Everything is possible at the medieval market

The Medieval Market takes once again over the Old Great Square of Turku from Thursday to Sunday. This summer’s events are based on the year 1418 in the exciting time of Bishop Magnus II Tavasts. In the market you can revel in a unique medieval atmosphere, explore the market stalls and sample the flavours of medieval delights while enjoying the performances.

For four days, the contemporary meets the medieval: different worldviews, languages ​​and cultures. Clowns, musicians, jesters and other performers make sure that everyone will have fun in a medieval style. The market is open Thurs to Fri 12:00 to 20:00 and Sat to Sun. 12 to 18:00.

Battle demonstrations and knights at the Varustepiha

This summer’s market has a new event at the Varustepiha. Under the high walls of the Katedraalikoulu you can meet craftsmen and traders specialised in medieval weaponry and equipment. You can also follow spectacular reenactments of battles and test whether you have the skills to be a knight. In the evenings, the courtyard is converted into a jousting arena where the Knights of the Rohan Stables match their fighting skills against each other in battles of love and death.

In Porthanin puisto you will again find the handicraft skills demonstration arena. There master brewers make sahti (traditional beer) and soap, dyers colour yarn and other artisans produce handicrafts using medieval methods. In the middle of the area there is a children's activity section where they can play with medieval toys and play medieval games. There is also the popular Princess school to delight children and, of course, the main stars: cute wild boar.

Medieval sounds

The Medieval market's musical programme offers a variety of performances. On the Sahtituva, Kivisauna and Riverbank stages medieval compositions will be performed by Kauhikko, who are performing at the Medieval Market for the first time.

The Medieval Market will also see the return of the local groups Räikkä and Comissatores Aboenses. And all the way from Sweden will come Krabat – a female band that plays medieval melodies.

Bar Kuka will hold a Medieval programme on Thursday evening, as will Cosmic Comic Cafe on Friday. On Saturday at 21:00 the traditional TeiniFolk will be organised in the Brinkkala courtyard.

Medieval Turku consists of four different events: the Medieval Market, Hanseatic Merchant Laurentius’s market, The Middle Ages in Turku Cathedral as well as medieval events at Turku Castle.

More info:

• Medieval Market progamme
• In Turku Castle it’s the Middle Ages all the time
• Hanseatic Merchant Laurentius’s market
• The Middle Ages in Turku Cathedral