Latest news with #LARP
Global News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Medieval knights clash in Lethbridge: ‘I love being in full armour'
Entering the Cavendish Farms Centre in Lethbridge was like stepping into a time machine set for 1300s Europe. Hosted by the Company of the Black Spears, Coulee Clash this past weekend brought fighters from across Alberta to Lethbridge for a tournament that would have made Robert the Bruce proud. 'We have around 40 guys in full suits of plate armour and we're hitting each other with arming swords, longswords, great swords, poleaxes, axes, maces — you name it, you're going to see it,' said Brian Boisson, captain of the Company of the Black Spears. While a quick glance might show cosplay or live-action roleplay (LARP), the tournament is actually a real sport called buhurt and it's full-contact. 'You're going to score as many points as you can, similar to what they would do back in the day when they would want to test out strategies for wars without actually going to war. They would host these tournaments. It's the same thing we're doing,' said Ryan Neilson, captain of the Arverni Legion. Story continues below advertisement 1:51 Edmonton LARP community He says competitors train every day to claim glory in the arena. 'When everyone is a kid they pick up a stick or whatever and pretend they're a knight. Now to actually be able to do that and test your abilities against everybody else in the world? Can't compare it.' Lethbridge is sending four fighters to Texas this summer to compete on the world stage and bring honour to Canada. 'I'm going to admit, it's actually almost a little intimidating because we're going to be fighting the best swordsmen and best armoured combat fighters from around the world,' said Boisson. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy However, he says his team will make Canada proud. 'Right now, especially with the way the world is, representing Canada is really important to us and we're going to be out there in our medieval tabards and we're going to have a big maple leaf on them.' Story continues below advertisement Scott Sheehan also fights for the Company of the Black Spears and he will be joining Boisson on the trek south of the border. 'It's a kind of an obscure but worldwide event. We're all meeting in Texas because the surface of the sun was on loan, I guess — it's going to be hot,' said Sheehan. 1:44 'Like being a knight': Calgary combatants host major medieval combat tournament He says the flashing steel is what spectators see at these events, but the real battle is inside the armour. 'It's the kind of sport about who can dig deep when you're tired. This is a 'being tired' simulation and who can function in that space.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's the kind of sport about who can dig deep when you're tired. This is a 'being tired' simulation and who can function in that space." He says the armour worn is nowhere near as light as modern Kevlar vests. 'It's full weight. The helmets are 30 pounds, the armour can vary, the weapons are heavy,' said Sheehan. Story continues below advertisement 'It's as much of a fighting sport as it is a heat-management sport.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's as much of a fighting sport as it is a heat-management sport." According to Neilson, that heavy armour worn during buhurt duels is period-accurate, meaning it's the same stuff used by the soldiers who defended Stirling Castle or conquered countless fortresses. 'Our weapons are all to scale as well. We blunt all our edges — there's no sharp blades and same with our points — they have a certain roundness so we're not actually stabbing each other.' While medieval knights were typically men, Saint Joan of Arc proved women were equally capable. Centuries later, Kolby Verkirk channeled her inner warrior for the first time at Coulee Clash and she says it was a blast. 'It's really great and really thrilling. Once you get that adrenaline going, it's just 'pop, pop, pop' all the way. Then, if you're new like me, it starts to weigh you down a little but. It definitely takes a lot to exercise and be healthy for it, but other than that, it's quite the thrill,' Verkirk said. 'I love being in full armour and just knowing I can hit somebody and I won't hurt them.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I love being in full armour and just knowing I can hit somebody and I won't hurt them." Her journey into buhurt began with medieval media. 'Video games. I played a lot of For Honor and then I loved all the medieval stuff, then I went to Comic Con and they used to fight too, so I was like, I want to do that. A couple years later, they were looking for more fighters and I was like, 'where do I sign?'' Story continues below advertisement She says being a woman in a male-dominated sport is no problem either. 'There aren't really many females, which is understandable, but it's open to females 100 per cent. Boys are usually very nice to ladies, they're very much gentlemen,' said Verkirk. 2:10 Calgary Medieval Combat competition wraps up as dozens battle for spot on Team Canada At the end of the day, it's the spirit of fun, competition and friendship that drive many of buhurts most faithful fans. 'It is honestly the most fun I've ever had out of any competitive sport I've been in,' said Boisson. 'Nothing compares to putting on a suit of armour and swinging a longsword at somebody.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Nothing compares to putting on a suit of armour and swinging a longsword at somebody." Aside from Sheehan and Boisson, Graham Macbean and William Betcha will represent Canada from Lethbridge in Texas this August. The team is fundraising their trip on GoFundMe, with the hopes of easing the cost of flights, hotels and other expenses.
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Medieval battle: 4 Aussies win $50k free flights in LARP battle in honour of Jetstar's 21st birthday
Aussies have stormed a quiet neighbourhood park in medieval get-up in an epic battle to win $50k worth of free flights. Eight contestants chosen from the ultimate costume contest geared up to compete in a Live Action Role Play (LARP) event 'Knight of the Skies' in a bid to win a free trip, or a few, in celebration of Jetstar's 21st birthday. The eight were split into two teams, Team Jet and Team Star – to wield battle alongside long-time LARP warriors from Australia's largest LARPing organisation, Swordcraft. With $50k worth of free flights on the line, no one held back, and insane battle scenes roared out on the quiet Saturday morning. Puzzles, politics, and full on battle all ensued in the crisp Melbourne air at Edinburgh Garden, North Fitzroy as the LARPers fought it out. People were pommeled to the ground, hit over the head with swords, kicked and punched – all in the name of good old medieval fun. They will be split into two teams to wield battle alongside long-time LARP warriors from Australia's largest LARPing organisation, Swordcraft. Australian comedian and radio star Liam Stapleton is playing the role of Jetstar birthday host and LARP wizard himself, joining in on the action this Saturday. 'The folks from Jetstar reached out and look, it's not too far from a stretch, like I dress up and chase my wife around as Shrek and that sort of stuff on the weekend, so I've never done LARPing before though, but I felt like I was the right man for the job,' Stapleton told NewsWire. Radio and TV star Stapleton said impressions and role-play have been a big part of his career. 'It's something I've done like since I was a kid … and it's led to fun opportunities like this. Like now I'm dressed as a wizard in a park speaking to you.' The event centres around 21 being the age of knighthood in medieval times, and everyone is dressed the part with knights, fire mages, goblins, alchemists and everything in between. 'When you work in radio, you are always afraid of the axe. But this is, you know, today I'm afraid of real axes because people have that sort of weaponry,' Stapleton said. If he wins, Stapleton said he would love to fly to Japan. 'Top of the list. Yeah. It's somewhere I've always wanted to go … I've heard cherry blossom season is the time, it's literally like the top of my wife's and myself's bucket list. So that's where I'd love to go.' But Stapleton is not sure about his chances of winning. 'Look, I'm an optimistic man, but there is some genuine giants. 'There's some people who are like dressers giants and there's other people who are like, no, you are actually seven foot. 'There's some intimidating looking figures with proper armour. I'm wearing basically a dressing gown. So I don't know how we're going to go.' Stapleton did not win – Team 'Jet' emerged victorious, and four lucky winners won the ultimate $50k prize – Genevieve Maisey, Cameron Riches, Nicole Brownlie and Julian Dods. Either way, Swordcraft head of advertising Lou Harwood is glad more people got to take part in LARPing and hopes the contestants enjoyed the medieval role-play. 'The rush you get when you're in combat is like nothing else. So if they even if they don't win, if they just come away, just feeling excited, having had given it a go, that's a win in our books,' she told NewsWire. 'I've really found my chosen family in this crew. And I wouldn't give them up for anything in the world. 'We're so grateful for the opportunity to show off lap to the wider community and get people to see how much fun it can be.'
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Jetstar plugs medieval duel for Aussies to win $50k of flights
Aussies have the chance to win $50,00 worth of free flights in an epic medieval battle, with a nationwide hunt for knights starting on Wednesday. In honour of Jetstar's 21st birthday, the budget airline is hosting a 'Knight of the Skies' tournament as a historical nod to 21 being the age of knighthood in medieval England. Knight of the Skies will be an epic live action role-playing battle on May 25 at a location soon to be revealed in Melbourne, as brave and noble Aussies are called to centrestage. Travel hopefuls are able to enter the competition and literally fight for flights, with $50k worth of flights up for grabs. The nationwide hunt starts on Wednesday for eight lucky winners to join our battle like no other. To enter this modern day competition, Aussies must take a pic in their finest medieval costume and post it to their Instagram feed tagging @JetstarAustralia and #KnightsOfTheSkies or send it as an Instagram DM to Jetstar. Alternatively, comment the pic on Jetstar's competition post on Facebook. The more DIY the better, think dusters as swords, pillow suits of armour and medieval helmets that look remarkably similar to a frying pan. Eight champion competition winners will be given the chance to claim flight vouchers worth $50K for the winner and $1K for each of the runners up in the mighty LARP play battle. They will be split into two teams to wield battle alongside long-time LARP warriors from Australia's largest LARPing organisation, Swordcraft. LARPing is an immersive form of role-playing where participants with medieval costumes and props physically act out characters and battles, and is one of Australia's fastest growing hobbies. Australian comedian and radio star Liam Stapleton is playing the role of Jetstar birthday host and LARP wizard himself, joining in on the action May 25. 'I'm absolutely chuffed to be partnering with Jetstar for their 21st birthday. When they initially told me their plan for a mega LARP battle, I have to admit, at first I thought they were kidding,' Stapleton told NewsWire. 'My only prerequisite to become the official party host was that I get to wage battle myself. I've been practising at home in the backyard and getting a bunch of tips from the legends at Swordcraft. 'I will be making landfall on the 25th armed with my trusty staff, a fireball or two, and a desperate need for a free holiday. So watch out world.' Swordcraft Community Liaison and National Executive Letita Pullen said the LARPing community are excited to share this passion with the world. 'We are honoured to be partnering with Jetstar to celebrate the magic of LARPing,' she told NewsWire. 'The LARP community in Australia is over three decades old and continues to grow exponentially. Our hope is that this initiative can encourage even more Aussies to give LARPing a try.'
Perth Now
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Jetstar's unique way to win $50k flights
Aussies have the chance to win $50,00 worth of free flights in an epic medieval battle, with a nationwide hunt for knights starting on Wednesday. In honour of Jetstar's 21st birthday, the budget airline is hosting a 'Knight of the Skies' tournament as a historical nod to 21 being the age of knighthood in medieval England. The hunt is on for courageous Aussies to fight it out for $50,000 worth of free flights. Credit: Supplied Knight of the Skies will be an epic live action role-playing battle on May 25 at a location soon to be revealed in Melbourne, as brave and noble Aussies are called to centrestage. Travel hopefuls are able to enter the competition and literally fight for flights, with $50k worth of flights up for grabs. To enter the competition, dress yourself up in your best DIY medieval gear. Credit: Supplied The nationwide hunt starts on Wednesday for eight lucky winners to join our battle like no other. To enter this modern day competition, Aussies must take a pic in their finest medieval costume and post it to their Instagram feed tagging @JetstarAustralia and #KnightsOfTheSkies or send it as an Instagram DM to Jetstar. Alternatively, comment the pic on Jetstar's competition post on Facebook. The more DIY the better, think dusters as swords, pillow suits of armour and medieval helmets that look remarkably similar to a frying pan. One winner will win 50k, but the runner ups will still each get 1k worth of free flights. Credit: Supplied Eight champion competition winners will be given the chance to claim flight vouchers worth $50K for the winner and $1K for each of the runners up in the mighty LARP play battle. They will be split into two teams to wield battle alongside long-time LARP warriors from Australia's largest LARPing organisation, Swordcraft. LARPing is an immersive form of role-playing where participants with medieval costumes and props physically act out characters and battles, and is one of Australia's fastest growing hobbies. Liam Stapleton will be hosting the event, and playing a wizard. Credit: Supplied Australian comedian and radio star Liam Stapleton is playing the role of Jetstar birthday host and LARP wizard himself, joining in on the action May 25. 'I'm absolutely chuffed to be partnering with Jetstar for their 21st birthday. When they initially told me their plan for a mega LARP battle, I have to admit, at first I thought they were kidding,' Stapleton told NewsWire. Jetstar is partnering with Swordcraft for this event, and the professional LARPers say they hope the battle will bring some exposure to passion. Credit: Supplied 'My only prerequisite to become the official party host was that I get to wage battle myself. I've been practising at home in the backyard and getting a bunch of tips from the legends at Swordcraft. 'I will be making landfall on the 25th armed with my trusty staff, a fireball or two, and a desperate need for a free holiday. So watch out world.' Swordcraft Community Liaison and National Executive Letita Pullen said the LARPing community are excited to share this passion with the world. 'We are honoured to be partnering with Jetstar to celebrate the magic of LARPing,' she told NewsWire. 'The LARP community in Australia is over three decades old and continues to grow exponentially. Our hope is that this initiative can encourage even more Aussies to give LARPing a try.'
West Australian
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Jetstar plugs medieval duel for Aussies to win $50k of flights
Aussies have the chance to win $50,00 worth of free flights in an epic medieval battle, with a nationwide hunt for knights starting on Wednesday. In honour of Jetstar's 21st birthday, the budget airline is hosting a 'Knight of the Skies' tournament as a historical nod to 21 being the age of knighthood in medieval England. Knight of the Skies will be an epic live action role-playing battle on May 25 at a location soon to be revealed in Melbourne, as brave and noble Aussies are called to centrestage. Travel hopefuls are able to enter the competition and literally fight for flights, with $50k worth of flights up for grabs. The nationwide hunt starts on Wednesday for eight lucky winners to join our battle like no other. To enter this modern day competition, Aussies must take a pic in their finest medieval costume and post it to their Instagram feed tagging @JetstarAustralia and #KnightsOfTheSkies or send it as an Instagram DM to Jetstar. Alternatively, comment the pic on Jetstar's competition post on Facebook. The more DIY the better, think dusters as swords, pillow suits of armour and medieval helmets that look remarkably similar to a frying pan. Eight champion competition winners will be given the chance to claim flight vouchers worth $50K for the winner and $1K for each of the runners up in the mighty LARP play battle. They will be split into two teams to wield battle alongside long-time LARP warriors from Australia's largest LARPing organisation, Swordcraft. LARPing is an immersive form of role-playing where participants with medieval costumes and props physically act out characters and battles, and is one of Australia's fastest growing hobbies. Australian comedian and radio star Liam Stapleton is playing the role of Jetstar birthday host and LARP wizard himself, joining in on the action May 25. 'I'm absolutely chuffed to be partnering with Jetstar for their 21st birthday. When they initially told me their plan for a mega LARP battle, I have to admit, at first I thought they were kidding,' Stapleton told NewsWire. 'My only prerequisite to become the official party host was that I get to wage battle myself. I've been practising at home in the backyard and getting a bunch of tips from the legends at Swordcraft. 'I will be making landfall on the 25th armed with my trusty staff, a fireball or two, and a desperate need for a free holiday. So watch out world.' Swordcraft Community Liaison and National Executive Letita Pullen said the LARPing community are excited to share this passion with the world. 'We are honoured to be partnering with Jetstar to celebrate the magic of LARPing,' she told NewsWire. 'The LARP community in Australia is over three decades old and continues to grow exponentially. Our hope is that this initiative can encourage even more Aussies to give LARPing a try.'
