Balingup Medieval Carnivale’s colourful leader, Deb Vanallen, leads the giant carnival emblem during the grand parade on Saturday. Credit: Karen Hunt / Manjimup-Bridgetown Times
The annual Medieval Carnivale drew an estimated 10,000 people, including about 3000 children, to Balingup at the weekend.
“It’s been the best year ever for participation by far,” carnivale president Fred Mills said on Monday.
“Through the gate we’re probably 20 per cent up on our best year.”
Fine weather contributed to increased ticket sales but the carnival also had a good reputation which drew stallholders and fighting groups back year after year, Mr Mills said.
Pilgrims from Perth, Cameron Fegan and Colbee, Nick, Russell and Wesley Brooke.
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The total raised is not yet known but ticket sales alone brought in about $100,000, he said.
Takings were reinvested in facilities such as the new $50,000 fighting arena and helped fund the Visitor Centre and other community events such as the Telling Tales festival.
About 2000 people stayed for the ceremonial burning of the dragon on Saturday evening and organisers were already planning how to improve the viewing area, Mr Mills said.
Pictures from the event:
Parade master Kirsty Finn, of Bridgetown, clears the way for the King and Queen as they make their way through a crowd of revellers on Saturday.
Weaver of magical tales Warwick the Wizard welcomes festival goers with Darren and Michele Jenkins of Viva Aerial Dance.
The King and Queen lead the grand parade through the crowd of revellers.
A troupe of dancers parades through the crowd on Saturday.
Zoe Nicolaou, of Rockingham, and Mellissa Stewart, enjoy their first carnivale. Credit: Karen Hunt
Festival regulars Guido Linder and Caroline Pittard, of Perth, came dressed as an executioner and the fantasy character Maleficent.
Jim and Vicki Stoddart, who divide their time between Perth and Balingup, brought granddaughter Elizabeth to the carnivale.
Penny Flynn, of Victoria Park, and Karen Jones, of Wilson, dressed in full medieval costume for their second visit to the carnivale.
Festival goers crowd round a new arena to see enthusiasts dressed in full costume in mock battle during the carnival on Saturday.
Manjimup teens Isabella Slade and Kayla Moloney had fun interacting with the crowd on Saturday.
Warnbro couple Cathryn and John Hancock took the Game of Thrones as their inspiration.
Lenny Tangey, of the WA Berserkers medieval re-enactment group, with son Jack, 6.
Todd Giles and Karen Giles, of Witchcliffe, meet up with Dennis Whitfield, of Dead Man’s Gully.
Nicole, Grace, Alexis, Paige and Olivia Tate, of Collie, came in full Viking costume.
