Last weekend, the Barony of Politarchopolis, a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), hosted a weekend of medieval and Renaissance dance, music and performing arts classes.

The living history group from Canberra and surrounding region has been running for more than 30 years and is devoted to learning medieval skills and enjoying medieval pastime.

Every member has a name in the Kingdom of Lochac, one of 20 kingdoms of the SCA, and garb or costume made by themselves or another member of the group.

Baroness Anne de Tournai's real name is Brigid Costello. King Niall preferred not to reveal his.

Nevertheless, as the barony prepared for a feast and ball in Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall on Saturday night, real names were forgotten.

Every kingdom has its leaders: barons and baronesses are the ceremonial leaders of the group while the king and queen are the officials of the whole of Lochac.

It took King Niall eight years to take the throne, winning through combat.

The Crown Tournament is held twice a year and the winner is crowned king three months later at the same time as his ceremonial partner is crowned queen.

Combat is safe but as realistic as possible. Men and women wield non-metal weapons but wear a mixture of chain-mail, leather and plate armour. They act with full speed and contact.

There are around 5000 members of the SCA and members are always brushing up on their skills, with many to learn.

There is combat, sport, arts, crafts, music and dance; everything from blacksmithing to cheese making, archery and playing ancient instruments.

"If it was done in pre-17th century Europe, we know someone interested in recreating it," the group said.

As well as a hobby, for many members of the group, it is also a family.

The group is committed to welcoming everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, religion or cultural background. They feel it's important to make everyone feel at home.

One of the youngest members of the barony is four-month-old Finarfin.

Terry and Lyn Rudd of Yass or Lady Isabella de Bordeaux and Torcaill of Lochac have been members of the barony for more than 40 combined years.

"It is very much like a family. Friendships are made with people from all over the world as the society is a global organisation," Lady Isabella said.

She is interested in cooking and heraldry and was busy in the kitchen preparing hot meals from medieval recipes on Saturday night.

"The society helps to keep history alive and also many skills that would have been lost," Lady Isabella said.

"Our feasts are designed around the actual recipes and food available at the time. The challenge is knowing what was around then and isn't now and substituting modern equivalents."

Outside of the kitchen on Saturday night, Lady Isabella was elevated to Court Baroness, recognising her service to the SCA.

She has run groups and started one, assisted many people with researching their kingdom name and run and cooked for many events.