The Highlander Warriors have put together a variety of shows that
have become quite popular throughout the Scottish Celtic Community as well
as Ren. Fairs, Middle schools and wherever there is a desire for a grand
Scottish battle. It is the love of our heritage that we bring to you
straight from the heart battles that transport you, if just for a while,
back to another time and place.
We have been performing at Highland Games, Celtic and Ren. Fairs since 1999
and our shows have been very well received throughout Northern California.
From old long ago on that far away isle, lest we forget Bannockburn to Culloden.
Our colors and tartans still stream through the mind, now a faint memory of a forgotten
time. Echoes of battle, men clad in tartans carrying shields and broadswords, sound their
battle cries. Generations and continents away, yet forever the blood is strong and the
soul is highland. We who remember from Robert the Bruce to the young Pretender. From old
long ago Scotland forever, forever the clan in that dark island land.
In addition to the live battles, we have a display area that is designed to teach those who are interested in Scottish Heritage. The display contains books on various aspects of Celtic, Highland, Medieval history and the weaponry from those eras, as well as authentic replicas of some of the weapons that were used.
lan and Family: For as long as we could remember, it had been handed down from generation
to generation, the old warriors and bards touched the spark in the young ones blessing them
with true knowledge, and the fire was passed to the next generation. Clan and Family these
people this land our tribes. The war pipes play out the stories and it runs through our blood
and veins.
Richard Brown Copyright©2004 - 07
Firmitas et Honorare! In 699
AUC (54 BC) Julius Caesar led his Roman Legions onto the soil of the British
Isles. By 843 AUC (90 AD), the might of Rome had expanded to encompassed
most of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, including what is now
southern Scotland. The Empire then controlled all of Scotland south of a
line running from the firth of Clyde, through Loch Lomond and to the Firth
of Forth. Roman power dominated the countryside thereafter for the next
three centuries, until the Magnus Maximus withdrew the garrison guarding the
fortifications we now know of as Hadrian’s Wall in 1136 AUC (383 AD).
Therefore, when you think of Scottish history and celebrate the valor of
ancient Celtic heroes and the richness of Highland culture, do not forget
about the contributions of the Roman Empire!
During the centuries that the Empire occupied most of what was then called
Britannia, the Empire was guarded by 28 Legions, a force of 160,000 of the
finest soldiery to ever appear on the stage of history, plus almost twice
that number of auxiliary troops. The Legionis X Fretensis, IV Cohort, is a
reenactment group that reconstructs the lives of Legionary soldiers serving
Rome when the Empire included the lands of the heather and thistle.
You are invited to visit our fortified Roman Training Camp and partake for a
short time of the life of the Roman soldier during the time of the Roman
Empire. Experience a pilum (javelin) exercise or try your hand at a drill in
the gladius (sword) pit, typical training given to Legion recruits to
prepare them for service on the frontiers. Feel the terror of a Roman Legion
attack when you witness a battle drill! Witness a gladiatorial contest! See
why Rome was mistress of the world for over 1,000 years!
Learn also about the more mundane aspects of ancient life from two millennium
ago: try some of the hardtack such as our ancient ancestors ate or the sour
wine with which they quenched their thirst, consider the magnificent buildings
they constructed, their government, manufacture, commerce and art and learn
about their family relations and religious beliefs, in many ways direct precursors
of our modern society.
The mark of Rome is seen even today throughout our own culture, from our
government, educational institutions and language to our recreations,
military practices and even the churches of Jesus Christ. Whether your
ancestry is Celtic, Mediterranean, African, Asian or almost anything else
from the Old World, your roots can be traced in large part back to the Roman
culture. Come relive some of that Roman heritage and visit the camp of
Legionis X Fretensis, IV Cohort.
AVE ROMA IMMORTALIS!
"Vikings of Bjornstad" is a living history and educational group, concentrating on the Viking era. We have no formal affiliations with other organizations, although some of us are also members of other reenactor groups, including Regia Anglorum North America. We meet the second Saturday of each month in the extended San Francisco Bay Area, usually working on our arts and crafts. In the last few years we've set up a Viking encampment at the Calaveras County Celtic Faire in Angels Camp, California, the Celtic Nations Festival in Vacaville, California and the Ardenwood Celtic Festival in Fremont, California. We've gone to the Old Fort MacArthur Days Military Reenactment Show and gone as a group to see the "Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga" exhibit, both in Los Angeles. In July 2004 we joined with Regia Anglorum North America to film the Battle of Hastings (fought in 1066), for the History Channel. In January 2005 we filmed the host segments for an episode of The Conquerors about William the Conqueror, with actor and military advisor Dale Dye, also for the History Channel. On December 3rd, 2005 we provided a non-historic barbarian horde for an Academy of Art University student film, The Epic of Wayhelm.
Cruinneacad
na nGaideal, or Gathering of the Gaels, officially started in February of
1995, but the history begins some time before that...
Set the Way-back machine for 1985, destination: Blackpoint Forest, home of the
Northern Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The powers that be have decided that with
the departure of Clan Colin, the resident Scots group, there is now a need for
a replacement group. Somewhere for all the new Scots players to gather, and
more importantly, some way to keep an eye on them. Enter one Christophe Pettis,
member of the Clan Mac Colin, the group at the Southern Ren Faire responsible
for the Scots and the Irish. The Entertainment Department has asked him to come
up north and help form a group for the Scots. The Irish, it seems, are already
set up with their own group, but the Scots are without a place of their own.
To read more please click here.
Clan Fraser was born eight years ago when members of the Mendocino Lake counties Scottish Cultural Society, inspired by Clan MacIain, decided to form their own group. With the help of Clann MacIain, Clan Fraser portrays a 16th-century Scottish Lord's traveling encampment. (please see the website for more) 
The Gordon Highlanders (turn up your speakers!) or Bydand Forever, will top the military reenactment list, with their recreation of the battle of Tel el Kabir in 1872.
From the Bydand website: (a good pipeband piece on every page!)
Bydand Forever seeks to reconstruct the 1st Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, as it was during the Egyptian, Sudanese, and Nile campaigns of 1882-1885. Making use of original Martini-Henry rifles and uniforms painstakingly reproduced from original patterns, Bydand Forever has become one of North America's premier military historical organizations. Traveling throughout the Western US, with special appearances on the Eastern Seaboard and in Scotland, Bydand Forever has thrilled literally hundreds of thousands of spectators with the sights and sounds of the mid-Victorian battlefield.
Clan Iain Abrach is a Renaissance Guild specializing in 16th Century Highland Historical Re-enactment. We excel in portraying everyday life. We have many artisans and crafts people in our group. Our home is based in the San Francisco East Bay. In a Faire Season, we participate in many events throughout California and Nevada. We are family oriented, with a very strong cohesive house. We have several sept clans that we work with. The Frasers based out of Ukiah, the MacClure from Reno, and the Galbraith of Union City. When you are a MacIain, you are a member of our family.
Our story: life in the Highlands was never easy, especially in the Grampian Mountains. Due to the constant conflicts in the region, many of our leaders were either killed or deported from Scotland’s borders. As a matter of survival as our numbers diminished, we became a mercenary band; even adopting other local “orphans” and outcasts, and arming our women. All able bodied Galbraith must be ready to fight; fore it truly was a matter of life or death.
Features of our Encampment include:
Falconers: a husband and wife team with 4 birds currently (2 Harris Hawks, 1 Goss Hawk, and 1 mix-breed Falcon)
Archery: we have approximately 10 archers (longbow, both men & women) and give arrow fletching demonstrations (and shooting demonstrations if allowed).
Chain Maille: assembly demonstrations and photo ops: “So lad, how’s that 30lb maille shirt suit’ya?”
Weapons Rack: weapons history/use 101 (or if one prefers “bladed and bludgeoning weapons for dummies”)
Shave Horse wood working: staffs & bows
Exhibition Sword Fighting
Dark Boar attempts to bring Viking history to life for the general public through representations with theatrical elements and competitive events for purposes of entertainment. Also, it is hoped that spectators will have a better experience when attending an event in which a high level of authenticity is attained in both individual clothing and equipment, as well as equipment used in Dark Boar’s camp.
When the Queen journeyed away from Edinburgh, she was accompanied by hundreds
of folk connected with her government and household. These included Royal Lancers
and Gentleman in Arms, Ladies in Waiting, Masters and Mistresses that ran the
royal household, and any royal guests and lords in Her Majesty’s service that
were in attendance.Visitors to faire are encouraged to meet the Queen, take pictures, meet and talk with guild members, and participate in Scottish activities and games. The Queen parades often around the faire, attended by her Royal Lancers and Court, with bell-ringers crying ahead to make way for her presence.
Back at the encampment, come visit the court, watch the lancers as they practice their drills, or the armourer as he sits making chainmail. Enjoy the feel of a different time and a different place.
Michel Olson and Christy Horne are the husband and wife team who have History Ringing in the ears of audiences all over the Western US.Combining Fabulous Storytelling with Live Anvil Accompaniment-
They have come up with a unique form of "Edutainment" for the entire family.
> 19 different half hour shows
> Fort Smith Stage
> All Items Made are GIVEN AWAY last year that was 3,200 items!