A Jump to the Left 2018

On the 10th of February 2018, Alter Egos took its guests on a strange journey.

A trip back in time, to the days of old late night double feature movie screenings on the a big screen, the smell of popcorn a shadowcast performing the show – The Rocky Horror Picture Show was brought to life.

With the Alter Egos team even managing to rustle up the iconic thunderstorm to set the mood, guests took to their seats to explore their participation packs, learn the lines and experience Dr Frank-n-Furter and his minions like they have never experienced them before. Everyone embraced the cult-classic, dressing up as their favourite character, excited for a night where wearing one’s underwear and throwing food in public is perfectly acceptable and encouraged.

We did the Time Warp (several times), we called Brad an asshole, we watched Rocky come to life, we sang to every-single-song and we danced to the moon’s dark refrain.

A resounding success and  a night out, they were going to remember for a very long time.

To find out more about AlterEgos events, and our magical movie nights, follow us on Facebook! 

A Jump to the Left 2018 in Pictures

10 Feb | Rusty Hook, Honeydew

Discworld Day 2017 – The Turtle Moves

“Ankh-Morpork! Pearl of cities! This is not a completely accurate description, of course — it was not round and shiny — but even its worst enemies would agree that if you had to liken Ankh-Morpork to anything, then it might as well be a piece of rubbish covered with the diseased secretions of a dying mollusc.”

As The Moors Castle turned into The Discworld, all the fans of the incredible Sir Terry Pratchett converged on the venue and we welcomed by the site of their favourite Pratchett character. From the Luggage, to Rincewind and the lovable Twoflower, no detail was left out. Visitors could join The Watch, go on an epic adventure through Pratchett’s world, partake in the fancy dress competition and enjoy Rat-Onna-Stick and Scumble.

Discworld Day 2017 in Pictures

4 Nov | The Moors Castle, Muldersdrift

Medieval Fayre 2017

The 6th Annual Magical Medieval Fayre returned to the grounds at Inanda Country Base in Kyalami on 2 September to take Johannesburg back in time.

Visitors were greeted by performers, riders, noble steeds and gallant knights. Those fortunate enough to be Royals for the day engaged in a royal banquet, whilst the nobles and commoners snacked on giant turkey legs. Adventures, games, activities and sites were bountiful.

A mass sunset battle of mounted fighters and those on foot drew the crowds as the sun started to set.

A massive medieval market allowed those who wished to shop to their hearts’ content. Trinkets and treasures unlike those seen before were plentiful.

Medieval Fayre 2017 in Pictures

2 September 2017 | Inanda Country Base, Kyalami

Fantasy Fayre 2017

The Moors Castle in Muldersdrift was turned in a fantasy wonderland as faeries, goblins, vikings, knights, witches, warlocks, magicians, fawns and elves turned up for the 1st Annual Fantasy Fayre.

Perfect South African weather helped set the scene for a multitude of activities, from archery to tavern quizzes, fancy dress competitions and games. The scenic river and amphitheatre offered shade from the heat, where weary travellers could rest their feet.

Visitors stretched their imaginations and wandered amongst the themed traders, each selling their magical wares and offering unique services. Food and drink flowed freely and the day was one to be remembered as an alternative experience.

Fantasy Fayre 2017 in Pictures

2 April | The Moors Castle, Muldersdrift

Medieval Fayre 2016

The year of the new, with a different view…
Medieval Magic abounds, in stunning surrounds!

With every new year, The Magical Medieval Fayre continues to grow in strength and popularity.
Faced with increasing crowds, 2016’s event saw a move to an iconic venue within Johannesburg – Inanda Country Base.

Set in the idyllic area of Kyalami, ICB played the perfect host to stallholders, artists, dancers, buskers, fighters and the general public who were keen to get another taste of the Middle Ages.
Also welcoming on board Mix 93.8FM as our first Media Sponsors, the day was set for success and what a success it was as over 2000 people arrived to take part in this momentous event.

More attractions were added, including handfasting ceremonies and the option to be royal for a day and treated as such, acquiring tickets for all activities and enjoying a feast fit for a king.

Fan favourites returned and arrows were shot, mead was quaffed and super-fans got their annual fill of medieval magic.

Medieval Fayre 2016 in Pictures

3 September | Inanda Country Base, Kyalami

Medieval Fayre 2015

A little mystery, a little madness and a lot of magic!
Avaunt all ye merry, and join the magical medieval fayre!

Come rain, come shine – The 5th Annual Medieval Fayre was merry indeed.

Despite the authentic Middle-Age weather, nothing could dampen the spirits of the public and they took over Ball & All Driving Range in Lanseria.
With Neigh-Bours Magical Medieval Fayre now a firm favourite on everyone’s calendar, everyone made the best of the situation barely noticing the dark clouds and the cold.

Guest kept warm by partaking in numerous activities, shooting arrows, fighting in battles, enjoying mead, ale and turkey legs.
Festivities continued late into the evening, ensuring that everyone got their fill.

A magical day filled with happy medieval memories!

Medieval Fayre 2015 in Pictures

5 September | Ball & All, Muldersdrift

Medieval Fayre 2014

Minstrels, strolling players, stilt walkers, fire dancers and all manner of buskers and barons, knights, dragons, unicorns, fair maidens and their steeds made Muldersdrift their home for the 3rd Annual Magical Medieval Fayre!

The 4th Annual Magical Medieval Fayre was held at Ball & All Driving Range in Muldersdrift on a beautiful Saturday in South Africa.
There was no shortage of spectacular things to do and see, as cosplayers, LARPers and the general public embraced the magic of the day.

Well met, we were with King Adrian, Father of Hedgehogs who willingly and most generously bestowed gifts upon those brave enough to seek him out. Musicians, dancers, buskers, stilt walkers and two brilliant bands entertained into the early evening.

Those with a taste for more battled with knights, biffed each other with boffer weapons, filled up on turkey legs and shot arrows.

An incredible day, filled with friendships and beautiful memories.

Medieval Fayre 2014 in Pictures

6 September | Ball & All, Muldersdrift

Medieval Fayre 2013

‘Tis most splendid, this gathering of all that is magic and mysterious.
Maidens, wenches, serfs, knights, wizards, famous faces, nobility and rogues!

 

Friendship, camaraderie and revelry were the name of the game as Medieval enthusiasts descended on Ball and All Driving Range to experience a trip back in time.

Ye Stocks, Yon Beer Garden, Spit Braais, Ye Kissing Booth & Dragon Rides and more were on offer, keeping guests entertained into the early evening.

Dressed in their finest Medieval Garbs, Joburgers took part in Fancy Dress competitions, shot arrows, ended up in the stocks and filled up on ale, mead and turkey legs.
Fire dancers thrilled audiences as darkness came down and the sound of steel on steel rang out true across the surrounding Muldersdrift countryside.

The 2nd Annual Neigh-Bours Magical Medieval Fayre was exactly as promised – simply magical, the perfect mix of history and imagination all culminating in an event that will remain in the memories of those in attendance for years to come.

Medieval Fayre 2013 in Pictures

26 October | Ball & All, Muldersdrift

Medieval Fayre 2012

Game of Thrones was all the rage,
and there was a need to open a brand new book and turn the page. 
The first Medieval Fayre began in full bloom,
And started a legacy, not a moment too soon.

Who doesn’t love dragons and horses and men with swords and damsels in not so much distress right?

The 1st Annual Magical Medieval Fayre, was indeed a magical affair. As revellers descended on Kyalami, guests embraced the theme of the day arriving in their finery.
Horses, dogs, birds, bearded dragons, pies, kissing booths, monks selling beers, wagon rides, dancers, chargers and an exceptional equine fancy dress contest – there was so much to see and do as 1800 people, hungry for a trip back in time enjoyed a day out in the sun.

We gathered around the bonfire and drummed into the wee hours of the morning, knowing in our hearts that this was the start of a great legacy to come.

Medieval Fayre 2012 in Pictures

9 September | Lafayette Country Estate, Kyalami

Once upon a time….

This is a story of two (slightly weird) women who had a crazy idea….and ran with it.

Are you comfy? Got some snacks?

Good. Let’s start at the beginning.

The year was 2010. Horse lovers and best friends, Dayle & Meryl were partners on a ‘little’ (50k+ fans) equestrian website. They found themselves bored with the normal, bored with the usual and decided they wanted to play dress up.

Fascinated with the Medieval world and wishing they could go back in time, they did. It started with two princess dresses, a few aspiring knights in not-so-shining armour, Dayle’s backyard and a set of rickety pillories.

What started as a gathering for 300 of their closest friends, became an epic event of huge proportions with over 1800 people putting their feet through the gate to experience a little trip back in time.

Knights knighting, fire dancer dancing, noble steeds, damsels in distress, wicked kings and lusty queens filled the venue and The Magical Medieval Fayre was born.

7 years later, the girls at Alter Egos are the ‘go-to’ people when it comes to all things Medieval in Johannesburg.  Hosting the largest festival of its kind in South Africa, this dynamic duo now boast a 3000+ person event, which includes live steel knight fights, banquets, genuine mead, themed food, town criers, carriage rides, the stocks, Medieval games, handfastings, performers, mounted archery, battle reenactments, birds of prey, noble steeds, wolves, fancy dress competitions, our very own King and a Medieval Market of over 100 traders and crafters.

Deciding the alternative wildings among us needed more, Meryl & Dayle then branched out and introduced new festivals, catering to all things fantasy and magic, savage and special.

2017 saw the birth of Fantasy Fayre and Discworld Day, both events showing the South African public something they had never seen before.

Join us for this wild ride, hold on tight and get read for epic, alternative experiences.