About Curious Pastimes
“There is something unique and special about sharing a sort of improvised audienceless theatre with other people. It’s amazing.” - Mike Dudley, Curious Pastimes co-founder
What is LARP?
As a child did you ever pick up a stick and pretend it was a sword, to be transported away on epic adventures? If so, then you already know the essence of LARP.
Live Action Roleplay is an immersive interactive game, where participants take on the roles of characters of their creation and fully inhabit a realised fantasy world over the weekend of the event. Much like tabletop roleplaying games, like Dungeons and Dragons, there are rules to the game which dictate how the world behaves around you - but you have complete freedom to make choices within that. You can explore, expand and create new stories adding to the history of the game’s world. Every LARP is different but all LARPs are built by their community - a community that shares the same love and passion for bringing the worlds of imagination to life.
What is Curious Pastimes?
Curious Pastimes is a multi-award winning fantasy festival LARP all about stories. We run a continuous open game, where any player can add to the lore of the world and make their mark on its history. We have been running our game for 30 years and so it is a rich tapestry of stories created by our players. There is infinite depth to the mysteries to be discovered and solved. Curious Pastimes is an actual world which comes to life for, and because of, our players.
We believe in “play to lift” which means we play our game in such a way that it helps others enjoy their game more. Our culture and atmosphere is founded on inclusivity and promoting collaboration. Our community is our greatest strength, and though our world is make-believe the bonds and friendships forged within it are very real.
What makes Curious Pastimes special?
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A Game of Stories
Our narrative is woven through all levels of our game. Running simultaneously we have narratives at all levels of our game. From world plot, involving the entire player base, to group and personal plots - there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
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Community First
Our game is only as strong as our community and the LARP community as whole. We enable our players to run their own events within our shared world, and support other LARP systems, sharing our expertise to help grow the hobby.
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Our Volunteers
Curious Pastimes exists because of the dedication and passion of our volunteers. We strive to create an open environment where people can try new vocations and support them so they feel their voice is heard.
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Consequence to your Actions
All actions have consequences and the world responds to you - and may well push back. Your characters are distinctly mortal. If a battle goes south, or a plan backfires, death of your character may be the consequence.
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Battles
We love battles. We run live, freeform, battles where as players you will have your objectives and the opposition will have theirs. Victory is by no means guaranteed.
Thirty Years of Story
1996
Founded
Curious Pastimes was born.
1999
4 Mainline Events
Across separate sites, Curious Pastimes expands to become the 4 events.
2004
The Red Wave
Ask around about Curious Pastimes most legendary battles and it won’t be long until you're recounted the tale of the “red wave”...
2008
Ritual of Renewal
The Ritual of Renewal becomes an annual spectacle.
2011
Our spiritual home
Our first event at Paccar Scout Camp - which will become our spiritual home
2015
The Fey War
The Fey wars begin, a culmination of the past 19 years of stories.
2018
Glaramara
The warhost gathers for the first time in the legendary Glaramara - home to Brother Joseph
2024
Weston Park
Curious Pastimes puts on its first 'green field' event - an event where all logistics and infrastructure has to be brought in and set up ourselves.
2025
2nd Edition Rules
After years of work and effort, our new rules are finally released (and put through their paces!)
2026
30 Years of Stories
We celebrate 30 incredible years of our incredible community and the stories we have created along the way…
Thank you to Pip Bell and Tink Jones for their hard work on the Curious Pastimes timeline.