Hear ye, hear ye - Council grant sees Abbey Medieval Festival return
Published 22 February 2022
It’s a red-letter day for ladies and knights, with Moreton Bay Regional Council announcing funding to bring back the much-loved Abbey Medieval Festival.
After a tough couple of years where COVID restrictions and lockdowns forced the Museum to cancel the major event, Mayor Peter Flannery said Council had thrown down the gauntlet to ensure its future.
“I’m proud to announce the awarding of a two-year Community Operational Support Grant, contributing a total of $300,000 towards the Abbey’s operating costs for the Medieval Festival,” Mayor Flannery said.
“This funding will ensure the Museum can deliver its marquee event in 2022 and 2023 and keep the organisation financially viable from 2024 onwards.
“The Festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and a veritable feast of fun for lovers of Medieval culture across our community and beyond.
“I’ve experienced the fun for myself, from jousters and performers, to re-enactments and fantastic food, it’s like going back in time to the Middle Ages.
“This funding comes off the back of Council’s brand new Back a Local community campaign, aimed at encouraging locals to eat, drink, shop, play spend and back local businesses, just like the Abbey Museum.
“With the recent wave of Omicron delivering a sucker punch, these 29,000-plus businesses need our support, and I am looking forward to ye olde festival continuing for years to come.”
Division One Councillor Brooke Savige said the funding is not only a win for the Abbey, but for local Medieval enthusiasts and tourists alike.
“More than 30,000 people flocked to the Festival the last time it was held back in 2019, many of them from interstate and overseas, pouring over $2 million into Moreton Bay’s economy, while over 14,000 visitors chose to stay overnight and explore the region,” Cr Savige said.
“The Festival is widely-renowned as a unique, iconic cultural event, and keeping it alive is an important part of Council’s mission to support events that help our communities thrive.
“The Abbey is part of the rich cultural fabric of the region, housing priceless artefacts from all over the world in its collection, as well as offering research support, education programs for primary and secondary students, and work experience placements and internships.
“I can’t wait to welcome the crowds back for this year’s Festival and soak up its unique spirit.”
The Abbey Museum’s Director, Edith Cuffe, said they were excited to bring the Festival back to the Moreton Bay Region.
“The last two years have been challenging for the Abbey Museum, but now we can look forward to a brighter future thanks to the amazing support of the Moreton Bay Regional Council,” Ms Cuffe said.
“Our medieval reenactors are dusting off their costumes, shining their armour, honing their fighting skills, tuning their instruments, and getting ready to present an event rich in colour, sound and pageantry.
“This year’s Abbey Festival will be a medieval experience to remember.”
The new funding announcement follows a $200,000 Community Operational Support Grant Council awarded to the Abbey Museum last November, to assist with its continued operation in 2022, including its extensive calendar of community and cultural programs.
To find out about more about the Abbey Museum Festival, visit Welcome to the Abbey Medieval Festival 2022 - Abbey Medieval Festival