SwordFest

Just when you thought it was safe to go out without your sword and shield, SwordFest is back, yet again, at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. Come on out – admission is free. SwordFest 2025 starts at 10 a.m. and runs until at least 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 25. The peace of our city will again be disturbed by clanging and swishing of every kind imaginable – and for the eighth time! And if you’ve been to SwordFest before, you know this isn’t your average historical uprising of swordfighters. It’s more like every kind of bladed weaponry all coming at you at once. Here is some more of what visitors will find between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day: - Iaido, the Art of Sword-Drawing. Dan Bernardo of WellWithin Martial Arts will demonstrate a traditional Japanese sword art, including a live cutting exhibition with a samurai sword. - The Palmetto Knights Steel Combat Team, which means fully armored knights and their fighting techniques. - The Columbia Fencers’ Club will engage in the fast-moving modern sport of fencing, as seen in Olympic competitions. - Carolina Historical Fencing, which recreates the fighting techniques of past centuries with a variety of blades. - A demonstration of the McAuley Broadsword training manual that came out of South Carolina in the 19th century. - Cavalry Saber Historian Neil Rose will show how Wade Hampton’s cavalry employed the saber at Gettysburg. - Swords of the Jedi. Plans are tentative at the moment, but the museum hopes to once again put on a display of a recreational form of swordplay inspired by the Star Wars universe. Yes, we’re talking lightsabers. - Theatrical dueling in the classic style, by members of the Charles Towne Few a band of showy pirates in the style of the 17th century.

Event Links

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2847896-0

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