Medieval Combat Group is proud to host the Morrigan’s Melee for 2026. MCG is a trans-inclusive club, and we’re delighted to host an event dedicated to encouraging the growth of and inclusivity of all women, and any non-binary people who feel comfortable in spaces aimed towards women.
Morrigan’s Melee for 2026 will take place on Saturday 7th March, the day before International Women’s Day, and will consist of a morning of taster classes for those who have never tried HEMA before, followed by an event aimed at existing HEMA practitioners with workshops, opportunities for free sparring, a fechtschule, and some test cutting.
Taster Classes
9:00am – 9:45am – Longsword, led by HEMA Ireland instructor Helen Gallagher.
10am – 10:45am – Messer, led by MCG instructor Kelly Anderton.
These are open to all women, and any non-binary people who feel comfortable in spaces aimed towards women. Taster classes are £10 each, with all proceeds after event costs are covered going to charity. These are relaxed and friendly sessions designed for complete beginners. No previous experience of martial arts is required. Places are limited to 10 spots per class.
Attendees are also welcome to stay around until 11:30 to meet the HEMA practitioners, ask questions, and watch any sparring/freeplay going on, though we would ask attendees to be out of the way by 11:30 when the HEMA practitioner classes start.
The registration form for taster classes can be found here: https://forms.gle/Z3RWXRCWkYYBPR4GA
HEMA Practitioners
10:45 -11:00 – Arrival & Individual Warm-up
11:00 – 11:30 – Freeplay & socialise
11:30 – 12:30 – Longsword Workshop led by Helen Gallagher
12:30 – 13:00 – Freeplay, socialising, lunch (not provided)
13:00 – 14:00 – Messer Workshop led by Kelly Anderton
14:00 – 15:00 – Freeplay (Area 1), Test Cutting* (Area 2)
15:00 – 15:45 – Fechtschule
16:00 – Pack up and closure of venue
16:00 onwards – Dinner and socialising.
These are open to all women, and any non-binary people who feel comfortable in spaces aimed towards women, who are currently existing HEMA practitioners (i.e. you must have membership/insurance of a current HEMA club). Tickets for this portion of the event are £25 each, with all proceeds after event costs are covered going to charity.
For any attending HEMA practitioners free after 4pm, there’ll be the option to come out and socialise and get some dinner (cost not included).
*The test cutting will be supervised by Ross Bailey as the MCG instructor who carries the insurance for test cutting. Cutting targets will be £5 per target to cover overheads, with any surplus again going to charity.
The registration form for the HEMA practitioner portion of the event is here: https://forms.gle/nLMDzPzF45osjdZ46
