Weapons Policy – updated 2026

Proclaimed under the watchful eye of the Constabulary and in alliance with South Australia Police

To ensure the safety, harmony, and continued merriment of all who walk within our fairgrounds, the team behind the Fantasy Medieval Fair has worked closely and diligently with the Mount Gambier branch of SAPOL to clarify and confirm the rules governing costume weapons.

These rules apply to all patrons, adventurers, nobles, rogues, and wandering bards who enter the Fair in costume.

Decree the First: No Metal Weapons Allowed

By order of SAPOL, and in accordance with current South Australian law:

NO METAL WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE PERMITTED WITHIN THE FAIR.

This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Metal swords
  • Metal daggers or knives
  • Metal axes, maces, or polearms
  • Metal arrowheads
  • Metal replicas of any description

Metal weapons are not permitted under any circumstances, including if peace-bound, secured, sheathed, or worn purely as costume.

If it is made of metal and shaped like a weapon — it must not pass through the gates.

Decree the Second: Allowable Costume Weapons

Following clarification with SAPOL, the following non-metal costume weapons may be carried as part of a costume:

Acceptable materials:

  • Foam weapons (including LARP-style props)
  • Blunt, lightweight wooden weapons
  • Blunt bamboo weapons
  • LARP-safe weapons
  • Lightweight plastic props

These items are permitted for costume, display, and theatrical immersion only.

Costume weapons are no longer required to be peace-bound.

Decree the Third: Conduct of Arms Within the Realm

While these costume weapons are permitted, they must not be used in a menacing, threatening, or aggressive manner.

Any weapon — or indeed any object — that is raised, swung, brandished, or presented in a way that causes fear or alarm may be treated as an illegal or offensive weapon under SAPOL guidelines.

Such behaviour may result in removal from the Fair and/or police action.

We are here for revelry, not rebellion.

Decree the Fourth: Performers of the Realm

Only those engaged and approved by Limestone Coast Festivals & Events Inc., acting in an official performance capacity, may engage in choreographed combat or weapon displays — and only within their designated performance spaces.

All performers must still comply with SAPOL directions outside those areas.

Decree the Fifth: Enforcement at the Gates

All costumes and costume weapons will be checked by security upon entry.

SAPOL will be present on site throughout the event to ensure this policy is adhered to and to assist in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Final Word

This policy has been carefully refined through ongoing consultation with SAPOL, with the shared goal of balancing immersive medieval fantasy with real-world safety and legal responsibility.

We thank all travellers — young squires, seasoned warriors, and fae folk alike — for respecting these rules and helping keep the Fantasy Medieval Fair a place of wonder, joy, and good cheer.

You may download a copy of this policy here.