St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church will celebrate Galway’s culture and heritage tomorrow (Saturday) with a day featuring medieval circus performance, traditional Irish music and dance, arts and crafts, food, and children’s activities, from 11am to 4pm.

Galwegians curious about the combat styles or entertainments from the medieval era will be spoiled for choice with what is on offer – which is fitting as St Nicholas’, Galway’s most historic building, was founded in 1320 and retains many medieval features.

Displays of medieval fencing and armour will be given by the Society for Creative Anachronism, which researches and re-creates pre-17th century skills, arts, combat and culture.

Circus performances were often part of market fairs during the Middle Ages, and Galway Community Circus will be in St Nicholas’ to teach young and old circus tricks and tightrope walking.

A highlight will be the display of pages from a 1712 edition of The Book of Common Prayer, translated into Irish. The Book of Common Prayer has been in use, in various forms, by the Anglican church since 1549. The first edition as Gaeilge was produced in 1608, translated by Uilliam O’Donnnaill, the then Archbishop of Tuam. This 1712 manuscript is courtesy of the Church of Ireland’s RCB Library and is from the collection of the former Archbishop of Dublin, Donald Caird.

Throughout its early centuries and in its services today, the Irish language has been in use at St Nicholas’. With that tradition in mind, Gaillimh le Gaeilge will attend to encourage use of the cúpla focal.

To complete the medieval experience, volunteers from St Nicholas’ will show people around and explain the history of the church; the ‘Ladies and Knights of the Town’ will parade to the Hall of the Red Earl on Druid Lane, in association with Duchas na Gaillimhe; and for fun, people can have their photo taken in medieval costume or be placed in the stocks.

Music lovers can enjoy sean nós music and dance, experience the sounds of medieval music, and take a chance to learn some medieval dance moves. Arts and crafts will be a huge focus of Galway’s Culture and Heritage, with displays of traditional wool spinning, and a chance for people to design their own Coat of Arms.

The public will be able to learn the history of Aran stitches and knitting from Anne Ó’Máille and Irish lace making from Colette Kennedy, while Dillons Jewelers will explain the history of the iconic Claddagh Ring.

There will also be an opportunity to meet St Nicholas’ own Chatty Crafters and see their wonderful work and meet members of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, an organisation which as kept Irish crafts and food relevant for 114 years.

There will be plenty to keep children happy on the day, including hobby horses made by The Mens Shed, Shantalla, and face painting by Giselle and Maria, with paints sponsored by Dangan Nurseries.

Admission and activities are free, but donations are welcome. Drinks and treats will be provided by St Nicholas’ and Merlin Woods Girl Guides.

Pictured: A feast of medieval activities awaits at St Nicholas’ Church tomorrow.