Monday 27 June 2011

Redcoats & Convicts Festival - Musket firing


Today was a Festival of Redcoats & Convicts at the Hyde Park Barracks which opened in 1819 to house convicts and closed in 1848. Directed at young families, the day (a glorious 21C) had a range of hands-on activities for children, and genuine tradesmen plying their trade in the courtyard: masons, 'smithies, saddlers, and seamstresses.


Being regaled in the sun with a glass of cold riesling, old English folk-songs wafting on the wind, and scurrilous convicts weaving in and out the table, doing a bit of general thievery, made for a glorious Sunday, which I will share with you for the next couple of days.

12 comments:

Stefan Jansson said...

Sounds like an interesting day.

Is there a band called Redcoats & Convicts? If not there should be.

Rae Walter said...

Wow! Looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

Rinkly Rimes said...

You really should be awarded by the Tourist Bureau for what you do for Sydney! It's all true, too! I look forward to seeing some convicts. I'm writing a little play about female convicts and I might get some ideas for costumes!

Joan Elizabeth said...

Julie,all is well, I will probably be back to commenting and blogging this evening.

Ann said...

Well done. I knew this was on but after the last few weekends, needed to spend one at home. Must get there one day.

Thérèse said...

A great way to revise history and share it.

Kevin said...

They all look the part. Sounds like it was a very pleasant day.

Jim said...

Brilliant shots. Marvellous post.

Kay L. Davies said...

Interesting, Julie.
More interesting, however, was Kirsten's news.
Luv, K

Julie said...

Yes, Kirsten's news was more than interesting ...

Joan Elizabeth said...

You do such a great job on pageantry.

Julie said...

Yeah, I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. Little people being joined together in support of a bigger issue ...