Double the fun — and population

Two events with medieval flavours will draw thousands of people to Boddington over the next two weekends.

Backed up against the Darling Scarp, in the crosshairs of the Peel and Wheatbelt regions, Boddington provides the perfect backdrop for both the Boddington Medieval Fayre & Feast and live action role-playing event, Shattered World.

This weekend everything medieval — from fighting groups using real armour and weapons, to historical societies and medieval-themed trade stalls — will converge on the Boddington Rodeo Grounds for the Fayre & Feast.

The one-day event is expected to draw between 2500 and 3000 participants, 90 per cent of whom will be in costume — not a bad feat for a town of roughly 1200.

Organisers Eugene Smalberger, John Allert and Dawn Newman said the events provided an economic boost to the Boddington, while putting the hidden town on the map.

“It all adds up. People camp at the RV campsite and walk up to buy a coffee and probably buy a few groceries while they’re here,” Mr Allert said.

Ms Smalberger’s farm just north of the town will host Perth-based group Shattered World’s live action role-playing event next weekend, bringing at least 150 participants to town.

“Shattered World need to provide for themselves for the weekend. We’ve organised with the restaurants to actually come and deliver food for them,” she said.

“For people in the restaurants, the bottle shop, everyone, it’s an influx of money. The bar that they are running for the event, all the liquor is bought locally.”