1. The Shows
Our multi-era re-enactment forms the historical part of the Army's spectacular military festival on Saturday 15 July. Arranged by the Colchester Garrison and 16. Air Assault Brigade. Last year's show attracted 23,000 visitors, with around 30,00 expected this year. On Sunday this event is followed by the Colchester Chariot Spectacular, with Roman chariot racing plus our historical re-enactments and living history (please note that army participation is on Saturday only, so their displays will not be present on Sunday).
Our displays range from the Classical Greeks to C20th with many performers from numerous groups, combat, living history and other historical displays. It will be an extremely entertaining weekend, yet very authentic.
Absolutely. There will be a huge variety of displays and activities to enjoy. As well as the re-enactments (which include have a go activities) there will be lots of other things to see and do.
No, the military festival is the bigger of the two days, although Sunday promises a very impressive line up of historical entertainment.
There will be a huge variety of historical displays to enjoy, with ours in 2 performance areas. The army has other arenas and there will be ongoing living history and many other activities.
Yes it is, albeit on a far more modest scale. The Event Director is Howard Giles of EventPlan, who created and until the year 2000 directed the English Heritage events programme. He was responsible for directing (and often scripting & narrating) History in Action in its heyday, from 1996 to 2000, and has done the same at many major events since this.
No they don't, far from it. Our re-enactments are always as authentic as possible and no punches are pulled regarding the horror of war. The re-enactors are deeply committed to both commemorating and honouring the men and women - including the innocent victims - caught up in wars and military action through the ages. By recreating the past, we and the re-enactors hope that their experiences won’t be forgotten, and can be avoided in the future.
However, our battles do not set out to gratuitously shock, so graphic depictions of wounds and injuries are not included, although the narrator does describe them.
Re-enactment groups are historically-based and non-political, although in some cases they seek to depict and help explain the events during eras of great political change, for instance, the struggle between Charles I and Parliament during the English Civil War, or the Soviet resistance to Nazi invasion..
Are the displays photogenic?
You bet. Our displays are designed to look as good as possible (within the physical restrictions of arenas). The main arena has banked seating on one side, offering an excellent view.
Yes, on both days.
Yes it is. Abbey Field is off Circular Road North, off Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex. Enter Colchester via the A133 Colchester by-pass then follow the red & white “Colchester Garrison” signs; yellow event road signs should also be in place. These should direct you to the A134 (Southway/ Magdalen Street) running through the centre of the town. At the St. Botolph’s Circus roundabout, turn up the B1025 Mersea Road and then right at the Colchester Garrison sign into Napier Road (which becomes Circular Road North).
The venue is about 10 minutes walk from the town centre and railway station.
3. Admission to the event
Admission prices represent amazingly good value, please see the event introductory page.
4. Facilities
Yes. Although there are one or two minor slopes, the venue is mainly flat. All displays can be viewed from flat ground.
All the usual facilities for an outdoor event will be available - catering, refreshments, 1st Aid and portaloos. Numerous stewards, the army (on Saturday) & police will be on duty. Crime will not be tolerated.
Are picnics allowed?
Yes. But there's a variety of catering available on site. Visitors are asked to take
their litter home
or place them in the bins provided, to help keep Abbey Field tidy (and safe for small animals and birds).
Is there overnight camping?
We regret that there is no visitor camping or caravan spaces, or overnight facilities. If you would like to camp in the area, please refer to Colchester Tourist Information Centre (below) for details of the nearest camp sites.
Re-enactors will be camping in period tents or, by prior arrangement through their society in a participants-only modern camping area.
How do I find out about local accommodation?
Colchester Tourist Information
Centre can send you a comprehensive guide by post or give information over the
telephone. Details:
Visitor Information Centre, 1 Queen Street, Colchester,
Essex CO1 2PG Phone: + 44 (0)1206 282920 Fax: + 44 (0)1206
282924 Email:
vic@colchester.gov.uk
EventPlan will send full advance details to all participating groups for distribution to members.
We are re-enactors/ or (eg) a medieval combat group. Can we take part?
Participation is by invitation only but we do welcome applications from any groups wishing to take part. At this stage, new invitations can only be offered to those groups that do not require living history space and can meet our Standard terms and conditions for participation
Traders
The Army invite quality historical traders/demonstrators to take part. Please read trading opportunities and contact the army direct if you would like to participate.
Back to Event introduction
Updated 7 July 2006