Recreating the past for live events, TV and film
1. The Show
Our multi-era re-enactment forms the historical part of this 4th spectacular military festival on Saturday 16 June 2007. Arranged by the Colchester Garrison and 16. Air Assault Brigade. The 2006 show attracted 30,000 visitors, with even more expected in 2007. On Sunday this event is followed by the Colchester Chariot Spectacular, with Roman chariot racing and gladiatorial combat, plus more of 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). Click for Saturday's main display timetable.
Our displays range from the ancient 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.
Yes it is. The historical parts of the show are on a more modest scale, but are augmented by massive modern army involvement. 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.
There will be a huge variety of historical displays to enjoy, with ours in 3 performance areas. The army has other arenas and there will be ongoing living history and many other activities.
No they don't! 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.
Of course, much of the show is devoted to the modern army and its roles, and absolutely no apologies are made for this!
Are the displays photogenic?
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, with trees at one end. Our re-enactment arena has an excellent backdrop.
Yes, on both days, one issued free per party or ticket purchase, so you'll know exactly what's happening, where and when!
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.
Traffic is expected to be heavy, so leave plenty of time for your trip!
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 almost entirely flat. All displays can be viewed from the 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. Participants need to 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 21 May 2007