10.30am to 5.30pm    Free admission

Due to the success of previous shows, Sheffield City Council has again invited EventPlan to stage historical displays as part of the 2008 Sheffield Fayre, once again with encampments spread over the picturesque landscape, and with superb views of the extremely photogenic main arena. Around 25,000 visitors are expected to flock to the park for this great event.  Click for Red Zebra's photos of our 2007 event, or for frequently asked questions.

Exciting arena displays will depict history through the ages with skirmishes, combat and soldiers' drill, equestrian displays, hand to hand fighting, musket, cannon & other weapons firing. Highlights include American Civil War and WWII battles.

Ongoing living history demonstrations will run concurrently with the above, with visitors taking the opportunity to literally "walk through history", finding out about military and everyday life through the ages and seeing period crafts & cooking. Children can also enjoy (safe) medieval have-a-go archery (a small charge applies).

Historical traders will also be present.  In addition to our historical displays, there were the usual crafts, a horticultural show, children's entertainments and other activities to enjoy. A fantastic family day out for visitors!

Performers

There's a first class line up of performing groups: 

Classical Greek: The Spartan Society

Romans: Legio VIII Augusta MGV

Medieval: The Knights Hospitaller Association

C18th :  The 47th Regiment of Foot  and the Charles Edward Stuart Society

Victorian: The 11th Hussars (in splendid recreated uniforms from the time of the charge of the Light Brigade)

American Civil War: The American Civil War Society

American West: The Arizona Rangers and C Company, 7th US Cavalry

WWII: The Northern World War II Association, The Yanks Living History Group, 2/Pz.Aufkl.Abt.Grossdeutschland, Airborne Associates, Civilians at War Society,  Independant Field Company and Northern Forties.

Period swordsmanship lessons and demonstrations: The Society for the Study of Swordsmanship.

The battles

 

The WWII battles will once again feature lots of British, American, German and Soviet soldiers, explosions, machine gun fire and furious combat as the Germans attack!

The biggest battle will however be our ever popular American Civil War display. Sweeping, colourful action with cannon, cavalrymen and massed ranks of Union and Confederate soldiers. There's a close link with Sheffield too as many weapons made in the city were exported to both sides, and with a staggering 50,000 British volunteers fighting on one side of the other, some of these men will have come from Sheffield and Yorkshire.

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in this or our other events are invited to contact us for further details; please click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation. Military vehicle owners together with 1940s re-enactors and enthusiasts are particularly warmly invited, although we ask you to register with us in advance. We'll then keep you informed and provide final details nearer the event.

Timetable of historical displays  

Ongoing living history and activities to enjoy

In addition to timed displays, most of the above groups have living history encampments and displays for you to explore. Plus:

• Children can enjoy (safe) have-a-go archery with the Knights Hospitaller Association
• Explore soldiers’ encampments through the ages. Find out what life was like in past ages, what soldiers and their families wore, ate, worried and joked about.
• Discover the lives of camp followers and civilians through the ages. See food prepared, find out what people ate and how different life was compared with today.
• Explore and experience the history and technique of dueling with swords with the Society for the Study of Swordsmanship.  Any timed displays?
• Meet C18th Jacobites of the Charles Edward Stuart Society and have a go on their drums!
• Find out about life as a British redcoat fighting the American rebels during the 1770s
• Meet soldiers of General Custer’s 7^th US Cavalry
• WWII living history from The Yanks Living History Group, Civilians at War Society, Independant Field Company, Airborne Associates and Northern Forties
• Visit a fascinating selection of historical craftsmen and traders.

Please feel free to visit the performers’ encampments and displays, and don’t be shy to ask any of the performers any questions you may have, as they are very friendly.

Important Health and Safety information – please note

• For your safety and that of others, always follow these simple rules on site:

• In the unlikely event of an emergency, please stay calm and follow instructions given over the public address system and by stewards.

• Historical displays can be dangerous! Do not cross tape barriers!

• Keep well clear of the horses, which although friendly can kick and bite!

• All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Take care not to trip, slip or fall on site. Beware of slopes and tent guy lines.

• Keep clear of camp fires. These are real and often cooking hot food. Don’t touch!

• Do not - and do not let your children - pick anything up in the living history areas unless specifically invited to do so by the re-enactors. The weapons and cooking knives are real and can be dangerous in untrained hands!

• Please beware of moving vehicles in the car parking area.

Visiting Norfolk Heritage Park

Norfolk Heritage Park is a pleasant hillside location with lots of trees, slopes, flat areas for encampments, excellent viewing, photogenic arena backdrops and the excellent Centre in the Park with cafe and facilities, yet is within easy reach of the city centre (walk, take the tram or drive). Enquiries: 0114 286 0400.

Once again our re-enactments will primarily be placed at the lower end of the park, with superb viewing from the grassy bank that overlooks it.

Directions to the event

From the North, East or South: M1 Junction 33, then A630/A5/A61S to city centre via Sheffield Parkway.

From the West: A57 to city centre.

From city centre:  From the main Park Square roundabout (off Sheffield Parkway) take the A61(S) (Sheaf Street), past the railway station. Bear left, still on the A61(S) into Suffolk Road, then straight over the next roundabout past MacDonalds and up Farm Road. Turn next left into Park Grange Road under the Metro, then immediately left again to continue on Norfolk Park road (if you go up the hill past Park grange Croft Metro station, you have overshot!).  The event entrance is on the right. Brown signs are in place but temporary event road signs should also be present. If driving, do not use the normal entrance to the park (on other days) off Guildford avenue - this will be closed to vehicles during the event.

Updated 5 August 2008