WIREDGOV

The Festival of History returns to Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire on 16 & 17 July for a blockbuster weekend of clashing swords, thundering hooves and epic battles. One of the highlights this year is a replica WWI trench, recreated by a team who have been working on Steven Spielberg's latest movie War Horse.

In the replica World War One trench, visitors will be able to glimpse the reality of life for men and horses on the battlefields of the Great War. The team have employed some of the same movie magic used on War Horse to recreate a scene from the Great War, complete with water filled shell craters, shattered trees and twisted barbed wire.

Visitors will also be able to hear stories from the front line, told in the words of the real soldiers who experienced it. They will be able to discover more about the role of horses during the Great War, and between shows walk through the trenches and meet the Tommies.

War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, whose bestseller has been transferred to stage and now onto film due for release next year, will be talking about his writing (Saturday only) as part of the inaugural Festival of Historical Writing. Dozens of other historical writers including MC Scott and Simon Scarrow will also be on stage and signing books.

Travel Through 2,000 Years

Visitors will be able to witness the might of the Roman army, cheer on their knight in the medieval joust and feel the ground tremble beneath their feet as horses hooves thunder past. Other highlights include Wellington's famous Red Coats in action and the appearance of a Spitfire as it roars in for explosive action from WWII.  

Beyond the action on the battlefields, in the living history camps visitors can meet Vikings, Romans, knights, jesters, and soldiers from two World Wars.

Fun Activities for Kids

In the Family Activity Area children will find dozens of fun activities to take part in, from dressing up as a Roman soldier to taking a role on stage in a play. There'll also be juggling shows and an intriguing Victorian travelling show featuring Lionel the sharpshooting lobster! Visitors can then unwind at the traditional Victorian seaside where you can build a sandcastle, watch a Punch and Judy show, or just relax in a deck chair.

Book Tickets & Win

Book your tickets in advance and you will be in with a chance of winning a prize package worth over £1,000, including a stay in an English Heritage holiday cottage.

Find out more about the festival at www.festivalofhistory.org.uk, and keep up with the latest developments at the Festival of History Facebook Page or on Twitter.