An International Medieval Combat Sport comes to Moreton Bay

The Abbeystowe Challenger Clash – Buhurt International, an inaugural, two-day full-contact, heavy-hitting combat event is set to grace Moreton Bay on May 25-26. Brought to you by the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology as part of their new Abbeystowe calendar of events, this promises to be an adrenaline-pumping spectacle.

Hosted by the team behind the Abbey Medieval Festival and co-hosted by Queensland’s own Team Vultures, the Abbeystowe Challenger Clash guarantees two action-packed days of full-contact medieval battles at the Moreton Bay Combat Arena.

The Abbeystowe Challenger Clash is an experience like no other. Destined to be the first stand-alone Buhurt International Challenger tournament in Australia, witness teams from across Australia and New Zealand clash fiercely for glory, bragging rights, and the coveted Abbeystowe Challenger Shield.

Team Vultures President Paul Smith says ‘We are excited to bring the only full contact medieval tournament to QLD. We are one of the two first Buhurt teams in Australia and have been recognised as a part of the Australian Medieval Combat Federation since their creation and have represented Australia in many countries across Europe and Asia.’

‘Team Vultures have hosted tournaments in the past and we’re confident that with the support of the Abbey, we will bring an exclusive event that will put Australian Buhurt on the map.’

Supported by ERMS Group, MBRIT, and the City of Moreton Bay, this event promises much more than just adrenaline-inducing battles.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council is thrilled to support this unique event alongside continued support of the Abbey Museum and it’s significant collection.

“Building on the Abbey Medieval Festival’s success as the largest medieval event in the southern hemisphere, this combat tournament is sure to deliver our city’s most authentic medieval experience yet,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This is not only an exciting opportunity for locals, and visiting devotees of medieval culture, to immerse themselves in life as it was in the Middle Ages, but hosting an official Buhurt competition will also boost our local economy and continue to heighten Moreton Bay’s reputation as a premier event destination.

“I can’t wait to welcome the competitors and witness the fighters battle it out for medieval glory.”

Attendees can indulge in a variety of entertainment, savor delectable treats from food stalls, and visit the pop-up bar for refreshments. Moreover, families are welcome with activities for kids, including the Abbeystowe Archery range open throughout the day for aspiring archers.

Martin Purslow, CEO of Abbey Museum, stated, ‘As the first major event under the newly launched Abbeystowe.com, the premier destination events site hosted by the Abbey Museum, this internationally-recognised sport embodies our commitment to providing educational entertainment and fun for fans of the regularly sold-out Abbey Medieval Festival.’

Natassia Wheeler, CEO, Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism, adds

“MBRIT is thrilled to support the inaugural Abbeystowe Challenger Clash – Buhurt International. This adrenaline-pumping event not only showcases the exhilarating spectacle of full-contact medieval combat but also highlights the significance of Abbey Museum and Abbeystowe in attracting visitors to our region.” 

“With 4.6 million visitor annually, Moreton Bay’s unique and distinctive natural assets and attractions are no longer a secret, and visitors are quickly discovering everything we have to offer all the way from the bay to the hinterland.”

Fans familiar with the Festival will recognise the combat demonstrated each year and will be delighted to discover a new dedicated event.

Limited tickets are on sale from 10 am on the website.