The Southampton Renaissance Faire
Every April since 2008, in Southampton County, thousands of people have had an opportunity to step back in time, and see knights, lords and ladies. a King and Queen, and a host of other characters by visiting a Renaissance Faire.
In 2016 I visited a Renaissance Faire for the first time. It was a wonderfully warm and interesting group of people. For the next three years I would attend and create some amazing portraits of them. In 2020 a moratorium was announced, as it was with most events throughout the world, because of COVID. But, happily, this year the King and Queen, their Royal retinue, the knights, warriors, spell casters, farmers and peasants, jesters and executioners, and a whole cast of fascinating characters will return. Court will be held, sword play will be demonstrated, and every booth and tent will be an educational experience. This is a family friendly event.
The Annual Renfaire’s mission is to educate, and entertain, the public by offering a unique look into a chapter of human history that is not often discussed. Through a colorful mixture of period merchants, props and decorations, live entertainment, and living history demonstrations, they bring the Middle Ages and European Renaissance to life in an exciting two day period of magic and medieval merriment.
The dates for the event this year are April 15th & 16th. The location is 25374 New Market Rd, Courtland, VA. It’s very easy to find - get on Route 58 (the Southampton Parkway) and exit at State Route 671 (you’ll see a McDonald’s, Circle K convenience store, and a Starbucks from rt58) like you’re heading to North Carolina. Take your first right turn at RT 688 (True Word church will be on your right on the corner) and just follow it for about 2 miles to the Fairgrounds. Lots of parking and it - like the event - is free.
For more information visit their website: http://southamptonrenfaire.com/
Don’t have a ticket? Well to quote the Bard from Hamlet. “Cudgel thy brains no more about it…” It’s FREE ADMISSION!
Wife: "How'd your day go?"
Me: "It was hard, really hard."
I'm going to hell for lying, ain't I?
Go to the Faire and have as much fun as I have!
The following images are but a small selection of the work from the Faire and the wonderful reenactors, living historians, that I worked with.
At the Faire you’ll see a lot of “reenacting” to give you an idea of how life might have looked during that time period.