It is Wednesday afternoon and the hot sun glistens on the moving swords and armour in a field just outside Żurrieq.

The heavy metal is being wielded by about 20 enthusiasts who form Show Of Arms, an organisation founded six years ago with the aim of recreating mediaeval military traditions.

Master-of-Arms Daniel Sammut, 61, branched out into mediaeval sword fighting from fencing, which he had taken up at the age of 12 after being inspired by television shows such as Zorro.

He studied fencing and later went on to explore the different kinds of sword fighting prevalent in the Middle Ages. “We study the old treaties of Fiore dei Liberi (a Master-of-Arms in the 14th century) and, when we re-enact, we go deep into the stories behind them,” he explained

There are three categories of sword fighting – two-handed swords, rapiers and the small sword – and all are different disciplines. The swords, made of steel, are not sharp but they still need a lot of practice to handle.

The women in the group do not use the two-handed sword – “it is too heavy, although some have tried it out” – and instead practice longbow archery and small sword fighting.

Kitted out in full mediaeval garb, the group often performs in themed nights such as Mediaeval Mdina and in other events and all proceeds go to fund the club’s equipment, which can be costly.

The group’s next event is a mediaeval night and banquet at Żurrieq on August 20.

Those interested can call 7909 3141 for tickets or contact medievalnight2010@gmail.com.