Ombres & Lumières du Moyen Age (Medieval Festival)

September 14th, 15th & 16th, 2018

The public have been dreaming of it for years: the dream has now come true!

"Abbaye de Villers" and the "Guilde Saint-Louis" are co-producing the 1st edition of the Festival Ombres & Lumières du Moyen Age Medieval Festival at Villers Abbey this September. A genuine voyage back in time...

A voyage back to the Middle Ages

The public will enjoy a full immersion in the Middle Ages, complete with monks and knights, staged in and around the abbey's ancient buildings – the dream venue for a medieval festival!

This vast event will feature around 10 medieval camps set up by European troupes and a total of around 100 actors and participants.

A unique experience

At each step, visitors will rub shoulders with men and women dressed as knights, monks, entertainers or innkeepers as they enjoy discovering ancient trades, taking part in archery tournaments, strolling around the camps or simply relaxing to the sound of Celtic and medieval music. Children will love their special play area too.

In the footsteps of monks and knights

This year's 1st edition entitled Sur les pas des moines et des chevaliers (In the footsteps of monks and knights) will be putting the spotlight on Knight Gobert d’Aspremont and inviting visitors to unravel the mysteries surrounding this curious character through a series of short plays.

An event partnered by committed heritage lovers

"Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville asbl" is the manager of this exceptional, listed heritage site, already home to a medieval-inspired garden. It will be co-producing the festival with the "Guilde Saint-Louis", a French guild comprising professionals, associations and history lovers alike. Its aim is to hand down our heritage thanks to historic reconstructions, shows and ancient trade demonstrations, where authenticity is key.

Hand-picked European participants

The Festival participants – artists, artisans and cooks – originate from the four corners of Europe. They have been selected for their artistic talent, traditional expertise and commitment to respecting historic accuracy.

A rich and varied programme

Shows

  • Archery tournaments
  • Anecdotes on the nomad life of medieval entertainers
  • Interactive and musical story-telling
  • Falconry shows
  • Stilt walkers, jugglers and acrobats

Concerts

  • Luc Arbogast, countertenor, singing "Metamorphosis".
  • Rastaban, a unique blend of traditional folk melodies.

Throughout the event:

  • Medieval camps: around 10 military and family camps, where you can see weavers, meshers and herbal tea makers at work, watch exciting combats and get an insight into everyday life at the camps.
  • A craft market featuring demonstrations of ancient trades and various workshops: blacksmith, brassworker, cobbler, stringed-instrument maker, calligrapher, sculptor, etc.
  • Taverns and a banquet with a delicious spread of medieval culinary specialities.
  • An ancient games area with over 50 games to test your skills, fighting abilities and mental prowess.

The 1st edition of the "Festival Ombres & Lumières du Moyen Age" Medieval Festival promises visitors a truly exceptional and enriching experience, filled with fun and humour, topped with a high-quality historic reconstruction.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FESTIVAL ombres et lumières du Moyen Age

1st edition: Sur les traces des Moines & Chevaliers (In the footsteps of monks and knights)

Dates: SEPTEMBER 14th – 15th – 16th, 2018

Times: Friday 14th (from 1 pm to midnight), Saturday 15th (from 10 am to 1 am) and Sunday 16th (from 10 am to 7 pm).

Prices

  • 3-day adult pass (pre-sale only): €25
  • 3-day children's pass (pre-sale only): €15
  • Adults: €13
  • Children 6-12 years: €7
  • Children under 6 years: free of charge

 

  • Luc Arbogast Concert: €20 (seated) – €15 (standing) – Festival entry price not included
  • Banquet with entertainment (prior booking obligatory): €25 pp - Festival entry price not included