The highly anticipated Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival returns this weekend, showcasing not only spectacular historical reenactments but also impressive local textile craftsmanship.
For the third consecutive year, model Cosette Murphy will wear an exquisite, reversible velvet coat created by talented Metung designer Sharyn Tagg.
Crafted from heavy upholstery material three years ago specifically to keep the model warm during the frosty winter evening, the three-kilogram garment has become a festival staple, showing off a different side of its design each year.
Two years ago, the coat featured its silver side, embedded with palm tree leaves and fastened with four silver buckles.
Last year, it was turned over to showcase smooth blue velvet, fastened with silver braiding and decorative buttons.
“This year, Cosette is going to wear the silver velvet side again,” designer Sharyn Tagg said.
“Underneath the coat, I have created a light medieval dress using a black velvet bodice and a blue chiffon dress that I recycled before it went to landfill. A few minor changes were also made to the coat, including new buttons to support the reversible hood and a matching reversible muffler to keep the model warm.”
Cosette said it remains an honour to represent the festival in the unique attire.
“For me, it is a privilege to wear this exquisite coat for the past three years at the Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival,” Cosette said.
“It is a heavy coat, about three kilograms, but it is beautiful to wear and keeps me warm throughout the night.”
The community is invited to head along and mingle with the locals at the Bruthen Recreation Reserve this Saturday, June 20.
The festivities kick off at 3pm with a grand jousting tournament, followed by family games, the slaying of the dragon, lantern lighting, flaming sword fighting, a costume parade, local music, and plenty of local food and
drink before a massive bonfire caps off the night.
For those who prefer a daytime outing, the Bruthen Medieval Market will run at the same location from 9am to 3pm, showcasing an array of local, hand-crafted products proudly made across East Gippsland.
