Smallsword Symposium
The world’s first and largest event celebrating the art of smallsword, an elegant weapon for a more civilised age.
Hosted each year in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, participants will experience an exciting weekend of classes and social activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet, network and socialise with the global historical fencing / HEMA community.
The event is suitable for established fencers and beginners alike!
2026 Event
The Smallsword Symposium takes place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October 2026. Here’s an overview of the weekend’s activities (you can find more detailed information about the venues and how to find them in the ‘Location and Travel’ section further down):
Friday 2nd October
Meet your fellow fencers for a friendly meet and greet to start the weekend. Join us from 6pm in the upstairs lounge of the Beehive Inn, located on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. If you’re hungry, you can order food (and drinks) at the bar.
Saturday 3rd October
The first day of exciting classes, alongside opportunities for free play.
Please arrive promptly at 9:30am for check-in and induction. The fencing venue is the Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise, located on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
In the evening, a buffet style dinner will be hosted in the upstairs lounge of the Beehive Inn. The meal is included with your symposium ticket fee (drinks are not unfortunately - but you can order and pay for these at the bar). Arrival is from 6pm, and dinner will be served at approximately 7pm.
Sunday 4th October
The second and final day of classes, free play and some fun fencing games to finish the event. Activities will start from 9:30am, at the Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise.
In the evening, folks are welcome to join us for informal drinks in the city centre to toast the end of another amazing symposium! This is an ad-hoc social (nothing is officially booked) and our symposium organisers will provide more details during the closing ceremony.
Event Timetable
The official timetable for classes and activities can be found here:
Instructor and Class Descriptions
An overview of the instructors and class descriptions can be found here:
Please note, due to the nature of event planning, advertised instructors, classes and timings may be subject to change. Please check for any updates and announcements during the event. If you have any questions, ask an event organiser at the venue.
Location and Travel
Where everything takes place and how to get there…
Fencing Venue
The Smallsword Symposium will be held at the Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise, a modern sports facility located in the heart of Edinburgh just off the Grassmarket. You must access the venue from the Grassmarket, and go up a small side street called Hunter’s Close where you’ll find the main entry gate. Press buzzer 2 on the intercom and the centre’s staff will let you in.
Fencing will take place across two dedicated exercise halls, the larger of which contains a viewing area. Changing rooms, toilets and shower facilities are located throughout the building, and there are water fountains available to stay hydrated.
Please note, there are no secure lockers at the venue. Whilst personal belongings and gear can be stored in the viewing area and changing rooms, Black Boar bears no responsibility for any items participants choose to leave unattended.
Evening Social Venue
Our Friday and Saturday evening social festivities will be at the Beehive Inn on the Grassmarket. We’ve secured exclusive use of the upstairs bar, a spacious and atmospheric function suite where drinks and food can be ordered. The Sunday evening social will be an informal, ad-hoc affair which participants can arrange on the day.
Getting To and From Edinburgh
If you’re flying over for the event, Edinburgh airport is located just outside the city limits with regular bus, tram and taxi connections into the city centre.
For those coming by train, check out the Scotrail website for timetable information to and from Edinburgh’s famous Waverley station.
If you intend to travel by car, please be aware that parking in Edinburgh is very restricted. You’ll typically need to pay for street parking, and some areas of the city are classified as low emission zones where additional fees may be incurred. Luckily, there’s a host of trusted taxi services available day and night, such as Edinburgh’s City Cabs.
Getting Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh boasts regular and reliable transport options all across the city. Lothian Buses run daily with connections to all major areas, and Edinburgh Trams offer smooth transport between key location such as the airport and Princes Street. The city centre is also very walkable, and is a great way to take in the sights and atmosphere of our historic capital!
Accommodation and Meals
Important information about accommodation in Edinburgh, and amenities within the city…
Where to Stay
Whilst accommodation isn’t included in the ticket price, there are plenty of options within Edinburgh to suit all budgets. We can’t give specific recommendations, but you’ll find a large selection of options throughout the city. We strongly advise using established and reputable booking sites when securing your accommodation. Some suggestions include booking.com for hotel rooms and hostels, and airbnb for local bed and breakfasts, apartments and single rooms.
Please note, with Edinburgh being a popular destination year-round, accommodation can book up fast and get very expensive when it’s left until the last minute. We recommend participants book accommodation early to ensure the best locations and prices.
Food and Drink
A buffet style meal will be provided on Saturday evening, and is included in the ticket price. There will also be light refreshments available (coffee, tea, etc) at the event venue on Saturday and Sunday. Participants will need to purchase their own food and drinks the rest of the time, as needed.
Local Amenities
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner; drinks and snacks; or essential supplies, there’s a wealth of options to choose from within Edinburgh. Near the Grassmarket you’ll find a huge selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars offering lots of culinary choice. Explore a bit further and the possibilities are endless! Whatever you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone and the majority of establishments are happy to cater for any special dietary requirements.
What to Bring
The equipment and supplies you’ll need to provide for yourself…
Fencing Gear
Participants must bring their own fencing gear. This includes appropriate safety equipment (fencing mask, jacket, gloves, etc) and blunt training weapons (smallsword simulators). Limited school kit is available to borrow on a first come first served basis.
For more information on what gear is appropriate, visit our equipment and weapons pages. If you have any questions, or you’re unsure whether your gear is suitable, please contact us.
Travel Insurance
We recommend participants have an appropriate travel insurance policy that provides medical cover, loss / damage for equipment and luggage, cancellation cover, etc. It’s always a good idea to plan for the unexpected, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
General Items
Participants should bring any general supplies that they’ll need during their trip. Don’t forget to pack any important documents you might need, money / cards, extra clothing, toiletries and medications, and of course, your phone charger and a UK power adaptor!
Booking and Payment
Tickets cost £150 per participant and can be purchased easily and securely from our online shop.
Important Information
You must be aged 18 years or over to attend the event. Participants must adhere to our safety standards and rules. All sales are subject to our terms of use.
Any refund requests outwith our standard 14 day cancellation period will be considered on a case by case basis, once the event has concluded.
If you’re interested in attending the event and have any questions, please contact us.