Medieval knights and gargoyles for Carter Group Heritage Week

19 September 2005

Children can hunt for gargoyles, design their own coat of arms or dress up in medieval clothing, as part of the Carter Group Heritage Week at Our City O-Tautahi, from 3 to 15 October.

Our City O-Tautahi, at the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Oxford Terrace, will host the “Gargoyles in the New World: Christchurch and the Medieval Revival Exhibition” during the above dates – focusing on Christchurch’s Victorian and modern interest in Medieval architecture and decorative arts.

As part of the exhibition, children will be able to find where Christchurch’s large population of gargoyles and grotesques live and learn why they should protect and care for them and the buildings that are their homes.

They can also design their own coat of arms and dress up in medieval heraldic clothing. Beautiful clothing, armour, and everyday items of medieval life will be on display, courtesy of Christchurch’s medieval re-enactment groups, the Barony of Southron Gaard and the Ordo Cygni. School groups can book for this exhibition through Our City O-Tautahi, and activity sheets will be provided.

A highlight of the week will be a real medieval tournament on Saturday 8 October from 12 noon, when the knights of the Barony of Southron Gaard compete on the “tourney field” under the trees beside Our City O-Tautahi and the Kate Sheppard memorial. Families with picnics are welcome at this spectacular event.

The debating chamber of Our City O-Tautahi will be transformed into a medieval hall on 9 October from 7pm where people can enjoy courtly music, dance, delicious medieval food, and a sword-fighting demonstration by the University of Canterbury medieval group, the Ordo Cygni. Those attending are encouraged to wear medieval clothing, but this is not essential. While the event is free, entry numbers are limited, so bookings are essential on telephone 365 2486.

Our City O-Tautahi will be open during Carter Group Heritage Week from 10am to 4pm.

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