MacbethFest 2009 is finally over and it's fair to say it's been a huge success although an incredible amount of hard work.  It was the biggest and most comprehensive event we have ever run but we really enjoyed it, and have even pledged to run some sections of it again.  Here's a run down of what happened:

Wednesday 20th May - thanks go to Neil Stewart from Running the Highlands  for bravely taking on the organisation of 'retracing the route'.  The first annual running event welcomed 21 teams which was a fantastic turn-out for an unknown event.  Each team, of 2 men and 2 ladies, had to run 20km (5km for each member).  The route took them past the picturesque Falls of Dess and up and over a few 'killer' hills.  But there were plenty of smiling faces on return as they were greeted with a glass of Macbeth Ale and a Hog Roast.

Congratulations to 'The Young Ones' (Rhona Auckland, James Espie, Joanna Jackson & Sam Burgess) who raced round in a staggering time of 1hr 13mins to win the great prizes on offer.

Also, thanks to Deeside Pony Club who arrived with about 20 horses all dressed in medieval gear.  They led off the event and created a great spectacle which was aired on STV news at 6.

Thursday 21st May - Thursday was our medieval banquet.  It took place in our arena which Fiona and her team spent days decorating with authentic coats of arms and rustic shrubbery.  We welcomed over 60 guests who feasted on medieval broth, our own Cairnton Aberdeen Angus roat beef and a Tilquhillie Rare Breeds hog. 

Thanks to Paul Anderson who delighted our guests with his haunting fiddle playing.  To Professor Stephen Driscoll for his entertaining speech and to The Medieval Realm whose sword fighting demonstration left us all gasping and fearing for our lives.

Friday 22nd May - The Beer Festival on Friday evening went down a storm.  We welcomed over 200 guests and had a selection of 12 real ales.  All of which were delicious, but undoubtedly the most popular was Deeside Brewery's Macbeth Gold.  It sold out far too fast. 

The weather was fantastic so our guests sat outside most of the evening, enjoying one of those rare, pleasant Scottish nights. 

We were delighted to welcome so many new faces to the centre that night and hope to see many of them back again. 

The feedback was so good that we're going to make the beer festival an annual event, so don't worry if you missed out this time - just come back next year!

Saturday 23rd May  -  in the afternoon of the Saturday we welcomed back The Medieval Realm for a battle re-enactment and living history display.  They educated our guests with their medieval cookery tent and disgusted us with the medieval surgery talks. 

In the main arena they hosted a crime & punishment display compete with drownings, burning and amputated limbs.  The two children's battles went down a storm with the little ones turning into ferocious warmongering terrors who showed no mercy.

And the final battle between Malcolm and Macbeth was excellent.  Many thanks to The Medieval Realm.

And in the evening, we had our finale event - the Ceilidh.  Jing Bang were our band and they were absolutely excellent.  We'll definately be booking them for next year.  We had about 110 guests which filled the arena perfectly but next time we'll aim for more.

Thanks to all the locals and visitors who came along and well done to everyone - that dance floor was packed the whole night.

Paul Anderson also played during the band's break and the round of applause he received said it all.  He really is an inspiration to us all.  CD's of the original music he composed for MacbethFest are still available to buy from our farm shop.

Once again, thanks to everyone who came along and hope to see even more of you here next year!

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