If you always fancied yourself as a knight in shining armour or a medieval damsel then this Sunday is your chance to relive the historic drama of combat and culture with a medieval re-enactment event.

The Northern Horde, the Western Bay's medieval re-enactment group, is offering anyone interested a chance to have a go at sword-wielding combat at an open day.

Northern Horde medieval re-enactment group members Daniel Hope, Rebecca Gallagher, George Goodliff, Charlie Tapsell and Robin Mueck are holding a have-a-go event for anyone interested on Sunday. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

The event, as part of the Play in the Bay outdoor activities promotion in October, gives people an introduction to basic equipment handling safety before they have a chance to practise combat in a controlled environment.

The Horde's Captain Charlie Tapsell describes the appeal of re-enactment as an exciting combination of history and sport.

Charlie is a passionate medieval enthusiast who earlier this year was a member of the New Zealand team which fought at the international Battle of the Nations competition in France.

He says the Northern Horde is one of the leading groups in the country, consistently competing at a top level in national contests, and is looking for new members to get involved. The group practises at Memorial Park most Sundays.

The event also offers the chance to try your hand at longbow archery and peasant dancing. It's on Sunday from 1.30pm in Elizabeth St West (clearly signposted). Only those aged over 16 can take part in combat. For details contact Charlie on 021 2960 215 (gold coin donation charged).

Other Play in the Bay activities on offer this Sunday include a family scavenger hunt at Mount Drury for children aged up to 12 (from 10am-1pm, details 578 9272) and the Bay of Plenty MS Society's fundraising 23km cycle ride from 10am www.touroftauranga.co.nz. Click here to see the full list of Play in the Bay activities.