Gyldenholt Anniversary
Schedule
Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 08:00 am
UTC-07:00Location
Cedar Grove Park | Tustin, CA
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Barony of Gyldenholt’s 47th Anniversary - June 27, 2026Location: Cedar Grove Park – 11385 Pioneer Rd, Tustin, CA 92782
Oyez, oyez! By decree of the Barony of Gyldenholt, a proclamation to all lords, ladies, and brave souls of our fair realm, Anniversary is nigh! By invitation of their Excellencies Baron Brynjólfr Brandsson and Baroness Dyrfinna Drengsdottir, we bid ye gather with us when the sun reaches its zenith and the days stretch long over our golden groves for a celebration of might and majesty.
Thy mirth is right heartily welcome for this grand day where the flames of the forge meet the fire of the soul at the Tournament of the Sun: A Festival of Fire and Spice. Come for the prowess of arms, stay for the heat of the festival, and let no spirit be cold, for here the sun reigns supreme!
Gather round, ye fighters of flame and artisans of pungent root. A call to glory rings out, bidding the bold to bring forth their finest, for the fervor of competition beckons.
Their Excellencies will seek Champions in the following categories:
Combat: Armored, Rapier, Cut & Thrust, and Youth Champions
Arts & Sciences: The Barony of Gyldenholt Annual Arts & Sciences Champion
Bardic: The Barony of Gyldenholt Annual Bardic Champion
Awards:
The Motley Mêlée Theatre: Best Fiery Performance
The Paramour of Picante: Spiciest Complement on the Tourney Field
Best Use of Spices & Herbs in an Arts & Sciences Entry: All Categories Welcome
As we are blithe on this day to celebrate all periods from Greek to Norse to Ottoman to Tudor, we bid you dress in your finest fiery attire of sun gold, bold crimson, and delicious saffron.
“I hope for dear summertime; wait - be willing in favour of me; smile, love, smile.”
~ Inscription on a 15th Century Saddle
SCHEDULE:
8am: Site Open
10:00am: Opening Court - at Their Majesty’s pleasure
Lists close 15 minutes after the end of Opening Court - fighting will start shortly thereafter
11:30am: Arts & Sciences competition drop-off period ends & populace voting begins
Children’s Activities Will Be Between Rounds
12pm – 1pm: Bardic Competition under the Baronial Pavilion- fighters can arrange time with Their Excellencies, as needed
1pm – 2pm: Artisan Showcase under the Arts Ramada
2pm - 3pm: Theatrical Scene Performances under the Baronial Pavilion
4pm: Closing Court - approximate time depending on combat finals
6pm: Site closes
ARTS & SCIENCES COMPETITION:
The Baron and Baroness will be selecting the Baronial Arts & Sciences Champion. This is an honor that Their Excellencies bestow with regalia yearly at Anniversary and the winner represents the Barony for Arts & Sciences excellence for one year. The entries do not need to adhere to the theme of the day but it is appreciated if they do. Entries should be displayed under the Arts Ramada by 11:30am.
BARDIC COMPETITION:
The Baron and Baroness will be selecting their Baronial Bardic Champion. This is an honor that Their Excellencies bestow with regalia yearly at Anniversary and the winner represents the Barony for Bardic excellence for one year. The bardic pieces do not need to adhere to the theme of the day, but it is appreciated if they do. Due to allotted time, we ask that the bardic pieces be no more than 3 minutes in length.
COMBAT SCENARIOS:
For Rapier and Armored Combatants: Last year, our fine warriors rose to the occasion with a best insult on the tourney field, which greatly pleased Their Excellencies. This year, your challenge shall be…spiciest complement on the tourney field to win the Paramour of Picante Award!
In honor of the theme of the day, Tournament of the Sun: A Festival of Fire and Spice, a special benefit will be given to those on the tourney field when offering a complement to an esteemed opponent. Have your flattery and wit at the ready!
- Scenario: Single Elimination, 1 Spicy Complement = 1 Extra Life Bonus
- Spicy Complement Bonus: 1 Per Tournament
IMPORTANT: In order to earn the Extra Life Bonus, you must issue your compliment *prior* to exiting the field following a loss. After the bonus is received, complements may be administered liberally at thine discretion for the remainder of the tournament.
Youth Combat is scheduled to begin after the 4th round of Armored Fighting. A Youth Champion will be chosen based on the most honorable and chivalrous combatant.
ACTIVITIES:
The Motley Mêlée Theater Award:
Back by popular demand, we have the competition for best theater scene, The Motley Mêlée Theater! Time limit: 2 minutes for 1 performer, 3 minutes for 2 performers, and a max of 5 minutes for 3 or more performers. Performances must be PG rated and suitable to a family audience. To be performed in the Baronial Pavillion.
Good topics for this year's competition are scenes that display heat, fire, and bold expression, such as a summer setting, the heat of battle, a love scene (again, PG rated), or maybe scenes that involve cooking with spice or a witty exchange. A few scenes will be provided on-site but we highly suggest you grab a compatriot or three and prepare a scene of your liking. It is not a requirement that these scenes be drawn from period pieces but more inspired by medieval life. Shakespeare is always welcome but you may draw from modern pieces, dramatic and humorous, such as Elizabeth, The Merchant of Venice, Men In Tights, The Court Jester, Monty Python, The Princess Bride, etc. We only ask you to stick to the theme of the day, Tournament of the Sun: A Festival of Fire and Spice. The award will be for Best Fiery Performance.
Best Use of an Herb or Spice Award:
All categories are welcome! As an aficionado in the Herbal Arts, and former Baronial Champion herself, Baroness Dyrfinna challenges the populace to have fun and play with our theme of the day by incorporating the spirit of herbs and spices into your dress, decor, or feast table for the day. If you’ve “cooked” up something special, please bring it to Her Excellency’s attention as she makes her progress. As Her Excellency will be selecting the winner, please refrain from using ginger or jasmine in any submission due to allergy.
Herbal Craft Activity:
Our Baroness Dyrfinna’s excellence in the Herbal Arts is known far and wide, and she graciously invites the populace to join her for a craft activity of card making with elements of period spices, plants, and flowers. Please join us under the Arts Ramada for this lovely activity, children are most welcome!
Arts & Sciences Competition and Display:
Please set up your item(s) for display at one of the tables under the Arts Ramada by 11:30am. We will have a 1 hour artisan showcase from 1pm to 2pm. All artisans are asked to participate by coming to the Arts Pavilion and stand with their art and discuss.
Arts entries can also include what you are wearing for the day or heraldic/decorative display at your pavilion, if it fits the theme, Tournament of the Sun: A Festival of Fire and Spice. If this is the case for your entry, please provide a paper with at least your name, a description of your entry (and ideally a photo of said entry) at the display table during the competition and, if possible, be present for the artisan showcase. Please note, Arts & Sciences entries do not need to follow the theme of the day. The entries do not require documentation, but it is encouraged.
MERCHANTS:
Merchants are welcome however, you must provide for your own city license and insurance. Please contact the Stewards in advance to let us know you are coming.
EVENT REGISTRATION:
Adult Event Registration: $25. Adult Member Discount Event Registration: $15. Children 17 and under are guests of the Barony. Cash and checks accepted at the gate. Please make checks payable to “SCA Inc./Barony of Gyldenholt”.
Please Note: This is a dry site.
PARKING: Parking at the park is limited, please unload and then park at Pioneer Middle School.
EVENT STEWARDS:
Madame Cyrana Chardon d’Argent & Baroness Ceridwen Killian
EVENT EMAIL: [email protected]
DIRECTIONS:
From the North – Take your best route to I-5 South. Exit 101A Tustin Ranch Rd. and turn left. Go approximately 2.5 miles and turn left onto Pioneer Way. Turn right onto Pioneer Rd. The park entrance will be on the left.
From the South – Take your best route to I-5 North. Exit 101A Tustin Ranch Rd. and turn left. Go approximately 2.5 miles and turn left onto Pioneer Way. Turn right onto Pioneer Rd. The park entrance will be on the left.
DISCLAIMER:
Although the SCA complies with all applicable laws to ensure the health and safety of our event participants, we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases during in-person events. By participating in the in-person events of the SCA, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks. You agree to take any additional steps to protect your own health and safety and those under your control as you believe to be necessary.
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Where is it happening?
Cedar Grove Park, 11385 Pioneer Rd,Tustin,CA,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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