Festival of Maidens
The Festival of Maidens has been going on since 1972 and has/had its 51st occurrence in 2026. The event is named for its proximity to the Feast of Saint Anges, who was the patron saint of young women.
It is one of the largest mid-winter events in the greater Illinois area and is put on by the Shire of Caer Gwyn.
A Typical Fesitval Of Maidens
As one of the largest fighting events of the year, there can usually be found numerous lists for heavy combat, rapier, and youth.
Royalty usually graces the shire with their presence for a time of merriment and fun during an otherwise bleak time of year. Arts & Science classes and the usual hubbub of large events will round out a Lord or Lady's day at the Festival of Maidens.
This is an event not to be missed for anyone tired of the winter doldrums and in need of a good stretch of their legs, arms, and backs!
Location and Date
- Late January/Early February
- While the location varies, it is usually held in Champaign/Urbana, IL.
- Maidens 51 was held at the Gordyville Arena
Themes and History
| Year | Number | Theme | Total Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 51 | All In One | 457 |
| 2025 | 50 | A Golden Year | 319 |
| 2024 | 49 | No theme | 268 |
| 2023 | 48 | No theme | 280 |
| 2022 | Canceled | ||
| 2021 | Canceled | ||
| 2020 | 47 | Tempting Fete | 314 |
| 2019 | 46 | Dragonshire 12th Night | 357 |
| 2018 | 45 | Renaissance | 351 |
| 2017 | 44 | Daughters of the Dragon | 338 |
| 2016 | 43 | This Time It's Persona-l | 318 |
| 2015 | 42 | For the Queen | 312 |
| 2014 | 41 | Ride of the Valkyries | 304 |
| 2013 | 40 | Forever Young | 336 |
| 2012 | 39 | 1001 Arabian Maidens | 249 |
| 2011 | 38 | Seven Maidens for Seven Dragons | 347 |
| 2010 | 37 | Merry Maids of Penzance | 325 |
| 2009 | 36 | More Maidens for your Money | 381 |
| 2008 | 35 | ||
| 2007 | 34 | ||
| 2006 | 33 | The Great Auk | |
| 2005 | 32 | Thorrablot II | |
| 2004 | 31 | Wenches & Rogues | |
| 2003 | 30 | Thorrablot | |
| 2002 | 29 | ||
| 2001 | 28 | Red and Black | |
| 2000 | 27 | ||
| 1999 | 26 | ||
| 1998 | 25 | Lamberti on Ice | |
| 1997 | 24 | ||
| 1996 | 23 | ||
| 1995 | 22 | ||
| 1994 | 21 | ||
| 1993 | 20 | ||
| 1992 | 19 | ||
| 1991 | 18 | ||
| 1990 | 17 | ||
| 1989 | 16 | ||
| 1988 | 15 | ||
| 1987 | 14 | ||
| 1986 | 13 | ||
| 1985 | 12 | ||
| 1984 | 11 | ||
| 1983 | 10 | ||
| 1982 | 9 | ||
| 1981 | 8 | ||
| 1980 | 7 | ||
| 1979 | 6 | ||
| 1978 | 5 | ||
| 1977 | 4 | ||
| 1976 | 3 | ||
| 1975 | 2 | ||
| 1974 | 1 |