EventPlan news archives

Some earlier news items from our files, 2001 to 2004.

All news items are presented in reverse order, with the most recent nearest the top of the page.

2004

Awards highlight The Battle of Orgreave and Historyonics

EventPlan congratulates Jeremy Deller for winning the 2004 Turner Prize on 6 December! As the team responsible for turning his vision of The Battle of Orgreave into reality in 2001 through our live recreation of this, the climactic confrontation of the 1984 miners' strike, we are truly delighted to see him receive this year's award. Throughout the run up to tonight's declaration great interest has been shown in Jeremy's work, with the Battle of Orgreave noted as one of his best known projects.

We're also delighted that Nick Knowles has received a Royal Television Award for Historyonics on 7 December. Throughout this series, our film and TV division Historical Film Services played a significent role by arranging actors, all specialist extras, arms, armour and much of the period clothing.

Visit the Historical Film Services web site for more details of both projects.

8  December 2004

As a great season ends, EventPlan's 2005 events programme begins to take shape

2004 was our most successful season to date with some excellent events staged, but our 2005 programme looks like it will prove even busier, with repeat bookings augmented by brand new shows. This year's Jane Austen Fayre, Colchester Military Festival, Sheffield Fayre and Blasts from the Past were all judged such a success by their hosts that we have been asked to restage and develop them next year. We also hope to return to Bedfont Lakes Country Park in July, whilst we greatly look forward to our new multi-period event at Rufford Abbey & Country Park in May and our  medieval festival at Huntingdon on 6-7 August (please see news item below).

The 60th anniversary of victory in World War Two are due to be marked by at least two living history events. The first will be at Hughenden Manor for the National Trust, on 11-12 June. Used by the RAF for intelligence and photo reconnaissance work, it was a Luftwaffe target, although the latter missed! Another event is planned (and now confirmed) for  9 -10 July in the War Memorial Gardens, Basingstoke, on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. World War Two will also feature heavily within our major multi-period event planned for 1-2 October at Bedfont Lakes Country Park (subject to confirmation of funding). More information on these and other events will be posted up as planning develops.

Updated 1 December 2004

Special screening of the Battle of Orgreave

Updated 19 October 2004

EventPlan stages the National Trust's first ever major multi-period event!

On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September, Cliveden in Buckinghamshire hosted a Classical Greek to 1940's extravaganza as around 300 performers from over 15 top groups took part in Blast from the Past!, our end of season multi-era show,  the first of its kind hosted by the National Trust and so successful that Cliveden plan to stage it as an annual show (next year's being on 10-11 september). A large number of their members and other visitors enjoyed four hours of re-enactments, living history and entertainments each afternoon. Normal admission prices applied so visitors could enjoy both the event and the picturesque gardens for the same excellent price - although in fact most found the event too entertaining to miss any of it - and members were admitted completely free of charge. National Trust staff were delighted by this very successful event, which generated a huge amount of positive comments from visitors.

Updated 20 September 2004

Cliveden celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Blenheim, 1704 

Over the weekend of 11 to 12 September, the National Trust held Blenheim Battle Days - a weekend of living history, music, song and a highly entertaining account of the battle "fought" with flowers and vegetables (!) to commemorate one of the most important  but least known victories in British military history. The Battle of Blenheim made the Duke of Marlborough a national hero and ended a very serious threat of French domination in Europe for almost a century. His second in command, Lord Orkney, owned Cliveden, so with this in mind EventPlan developed and co-ordinated this anniversary event, appropriately held adjacent to The Blenheim Pavilion and extremely well received by visitors.

25 September 2004

Sheffield Fayre attracts 20,000 visitors

For a second year running but this time on August Bank Holiday, the Sheffield Fayre entertained very large audiences.  EventPlan's multi-era living history and arena displays were as last year extremely popular, spanning the ancient world through to WWII.  With a line up of extremely high quality groups and 6 hours of displays each day, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The performers themselves commented on an extremely high "feel good" factor both amongst themselves and within the audience, which was very pleasing.

1 September 2004

A wonderful day out at the Jane Austen Fayre

A great theme, perfect weather and excellent performers attracted well over a thousand visitors to the tiny but beautiful walled Garden at The Grange, Basingstoke, on Saturday 21 August for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Jane Austen Fayre. EventPlan provided and co-ordinated the living history and entertainments, augmenting sales and stalls arranged by the council. Although envisaged as a modest event, it was a huge success with visitors - many in period costume - staying for hours to enjoy various displays and talks. There were fine Regency era ladies and gentlemen present, redcoats and musket firing, equestrian displays, music and dance, punch and Judy (with Napoleon as the villain!), fashion shows, officers duelling, cooking and food, plus stalls, all evoking the sounds and sights of the early C19th century, when Jane Austen was writing her most famous books.

The event was such a success that  a two day fayre will be held next year, on 20-21 August 2005, with even more entertainments to enjoy. Revisit for more information as it is announced.

Updated 15 October 2004

Plans for Huntingdon 800 unveiled

August 7 2005 marks the exact 800th anniversary of King John's signing of Huntingdon's town charter. Ambitious plans are in hand to produce a season of great events to mark this special occasion, based around a large-scale medieval festival organised and directed by EventPlan on behalf of Huntingdon Town Council, to be held over the exact anniversary weekend of 6-7 August. Living history encampments, pageantry, battles, street procession, play, music, banquet and many other activities will bring the C13th to C15th alive for thousands of townsfolk and visitors. Admission will be free. The exact scale of the event will depend on the amount of funding available, so please revisit this page for updated details as they are confirmed.

12 August 2004

History in the Park wows new audiences with battles and living history

Around 8,000 people enjoyed History in the Park and its varied historical and other displays at Bedfont Lakes Country Park on 24-25 July. Warm weather, free admission and a combination of our show with Sunday's annual country fair ensured a great time was had by all. Many visitors to the latter had not seen a historical event before, let alone a multi-period presentation, and were spellbound. Exciting battles and living history displays, all enjoying the park's picturesque backdrops, proved extremely popular. This all augers well for our planned large-scale living history event on 1-2 October 2005 - watch for details.

Before Saturday's show, Historical Film Services (the TV and Film division of EventPlan)  spent an hour or so co-ordinating around 100 extras in sound recordings of ancient Greek and Persian battlefield action for Oliver Stone's forthcoming cinema epic, Alexander. This followed hot on the heels of providing a fully kitted out Greek Hoplite warrior and an ancient siege engine for Adam Hart-Davis' new BBC series, What the Past Did for Us.

27 July 2004

Colchester Military Festival ends with a bang!

On Saturday 10 July, EventPlan staged a series of displays on behalf of the army at the Colchester Military Festival. This event attracted thousands of visitors and featured a wide variety of performers. Our re-enactors finished off a packed day with the festival Finale, which featured a rendition of the 1812 Overture, with (very loud!) musket, rifle, machine gun and 105mm artillery accompaniment.

15 July 2005

Historyonics starts this Sunday!

March 2004: Historyonics, a 6-part prime-time BBC 1 historical comedy documentary series (originally entitled Dead Famous) began its run on Sunday 4 April. Exploring various famous characters and moments from British history, it is written and presented by Nick Knowles (DIY SOS), is quirky, funny, yet historically true to each story. If the pilot programme Guy Fawkes (shown in late 2002) is anything to go by, it should be a big hit.

The programme running order is: 1066 (April 4); Robin Hood (April 11); Richard III (April 18); Dick Turpin (April 25); Julius Caesar's Roman invasions (May 2) and Mary, Queen of Scots (May 9).

For more about how we assisted with and appearances in the series, visit Historical Film Services (see link below).

Updated 5 April 2004

EventPlan announces the formation of Historical Film Services

In order to simplify promotional activities and make things easier for clients, EventPlan has created Historical Film Services as its TV and film division. Accordingly, the relevant pages from this web site have moved to www.historicalfilmservices.com, but apart from this, it's pretty much business as usual! Revisit this page for updates.

To view the Historical Film Services web site full screen, without the EventPlan navigation bar, please go directly to www.historicalfilmservices.com.

No transmission date has yet been released for Historyonics, the new 6-part BBC 1 historical/comedy documentary series written and presented by Nick (DIY SOS) Knowles, but as soon as we have details we shall publish them. Specialist extras from the Historical Film Services extras' Database are featured throughout the series, as indeed they were on pilot episode, Guy Fawkes.

30 January 2004

2004 programme of events announced

Enjoy some great events in 2004, including 4 multi-period shows and numerous single-era displays. Please click here for further details.

Updated 2 January 2004

2003

Bolingbroke Castle besieged!

Our last major event of 2003 has proved a big success. A 360th anniversary re-enactment of the Siege of Bolingbroke Castle 1643, and commemoration of the Battle of Winceby, on 10-12 October, the show featured three days of displays, re-enactments, commemorations and wreath laying. Our target number of 4,000 visitors, including hundreds of school children, flocked to Old Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire over the weekend, the two wreath laying ceremonies (at Winceby and Bolingbroke) proving particularly poignant.  Click here for details.  Photographs will follow shortly.

The event was immediately followed by more BBC filming, being the fifth of six episodes of Historyonix. The series has definitely shaped up to be a winner with a unique blend of historical fact and comedy. More details on our TV and film division web site, www.historicalfilmservices.com.

20 October 2003

20,000 flock to the Sheffield Fayre!

September 2003: The weekend of 13-14 September saw a bumper crowd of around 20,000 people attend the Sheffield Fayre at Norfolk Heritage Park. Featuring around 500 top re-enactors, the show included arena displays and an extremely impressive living history encampments. displays included Romans and Britons, Vikings and Saxons, Normans, Medieval living history, entertainment and tourney, English Civil War,  C18th, superbly drilled British redcoats of 1815,  an American Civil War skirmish,  Victorians (a domestic display and amusing one man traveling show) and British "Tommies" of 1914.  We are delighted that the event went so well and attracted so many visitors. For more details, please click here, or check out our gallery of photos.

The question that seemed to be on everybody's lips was "will the event be staged again next year?"  The answer is yes, so please click for provisional details of the Sheffield Fayre 2004, on its new date of August Bank Holiday.

Updated 8 January 2004

A fantastic weekend at High Woods Country Park, Colchester!

August 2003: Despite almost absurd temperatures (at one stage, registering over 40 degrees on site), Invasion 2003 AD was a resounding success over the weekend of 9-10 August. Around 600 re-enactors and performers presented a first class Stone Age to D-Day show for approximately 8000 visitors. The shade from thousands of trees ensured that our audience or performers didn't suffer too much, although certainly the additional water supplies we brought in helped. Volunteers from the Park Ranger service and Colchester Street Festival augmented the historical show with various countryside and conservation displays and activities, bringing the rich human history of the park right up to date.

On both days, a minute's silence was observed for the 6 men of the Colchester Garrison, recently murdered in Iraq. Collections took place on behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund, including by the "Essex Gang", a dastardly group of C18th Highwaymen played by members of Lace Wars. Their activities proved so popular that visitors returned to the woods in order to be "robbed" again!

EventPlan staff were delighted by the unanimous "feel good" factor amongst visitors and re-enactors, and for immediate calls to restage it next year (subject to funding of course!). This year's show was kindly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and organised on behalf of local communities via Colchester Borough Council.

Click  for more details, for photographs or for provisional details of Invasion 2004.

Updated 8 January 2004

Don't miss our forthcoming Colchester multi-period event!

August 2003: Only a few days to go! Make a date in your diary for our next event, a colourful free admission multi-era Stone Age to D-Day show at High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester, on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August. Please click here for further details of this fabulous confirmed event!

Updated 1 August 2003

Into battle! EventPlan arranges reconstructions for a major new BBC series, D-day to Berlin

June 2003: The BBC are about to embark on a new 3 part series about the war in Western Europe from the Normandy invasion to fall of Berlin. Reconstructions, archive footage and interviews with participants will vividly bring to life these dramatic times.

EventPlan is sourcing, arranging and co-ordinating some hopefully very evocative military reconstructions, depicting key moments from this campaign including one of the most famous, Michael Wittmann's extraordinarily successful lone attack on leading elements of the 7th Armoured Brigade at Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944. Tiger, Cromwell and Sherman tanks will take part in planned reconstructions along with other vehicles together with Allied and German infantry with appropriate weaponry.  Filming is due to commence in late July.

The series is due to be screened on BB 1 in April 2005, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the closing stages of WWII in Europe..

Updated 25 August 2004

EventPlan supplies extras and wardrobe for Dead Famous

April 2003: Following the success of Guy Fawkes (see news item below), EventPlan are again supplying specialist extras, together with wardrobe requirements for the new 6-part BBC 1 series of Dead Famous.  Presented by Nick Knowles, the series takes a light-hearted but historically accurate look at key characters and moments in British history.

We also look forward to other filming projects during the year. Production companies interested in quality historical reconstructions or specialist extras are invited to contact us for further details of our services.

Footnote: The name of this series was subsequently changed to Historyonix.

Right: Sometimes a punishing filming schedule can drive a man to drink....(only joking!) Richard Rutherford-Moore, one of EventPlan's supporting cast on "Dick Turpin".

Updated 25 August 2004

Events 2003

January 2003: It's a busy season for EventPlan with several different events planned. These include four weekend displays for Caldicot Castle in South Wales, a colourful multi-period event  for Sheffield City Council and a 360th anniversary English Civil War siege at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire. Please click here for more information and links to individual event details.

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the London Historical Action Spectacular 2003 as our hosts the London Borough of Hounslow were unable to secure financial backing. This is a pity but we have a tried and tested show format ready for when the opportunity next arises to stage this popular multi-period show in the UK. However, we are currently planning another (albeit more modest) multi-period event over the same weekend, 9-10 August at High Woods Country Park, Colchester, on behalf of local community groups and the Borough Council. Although this event is subject to Heritage Lottery funding, this is looking very encouraging so watch this space for news.

On a more "intimate" scale, we shall be taking part in a programme of Victorian living history for school children in November, for the National Trust.

Updated 16 May 2003

2002

EventPlan co-ordinates extras for a Gunpowder Plot!

Organising historical reconstructions using reliable specialist extras for films and TV documentaries can be a tricky process for production companies, but the EventPlan Database can simplify things enormously. Using our extensive list of reliable re-enactors and other specialists available for filming, we can supply and then co-ordinate on set first-class extras, usually complete with appropriate clothing , weaponry and training. Indeed, this made the Battle of Orgreave - see above - possible.

We have just completing co-ordinating reconstructions and sourcing extras with a C17th "look" for Dead Famous: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpower Plot. Taking a none too serious look at this pivotal moment in history, it was screened on BBC 1 on November 3rd, achieving an impressive 5 million audience. It was so well received that the BBC have commissioned a 6-part series of dead Famous, presenting key characters and moments from history in a light-hearted but accurate way.

The same EventPlan team has been asked to take part in each episode, with filming in the spring, so we all much look forward to this.

EventPlan also recently arranged 45 Medieval knights and ladies for an episode of Adventure Inc., a new US series.

If you represent a TV or film production company and need skilled specialist historical extras, look no further! Contact us today!

If you are a re-enactor who would like to be an extra in historical documentaries or films, then consider applying to join the database today!

Updated 17 January 2003

The Battle of Orgreave shown on Channel 4

The long-awaited TV premier of Hollywood director Mike Figgis' film about the original 1984 "battle" - and EventPlan's ground-breaking live re-enactment for Artangel and Channel 4 - was screened at the prime time of 7.45pm on Sunday 20 October 2002 (and repeated since). At times a powerful and moving programme, it showed how accurate the re-enactment had been and the strength of feeling it generated in the miners that took part in both the the recreation and original confrontation. Although viewers could not expect a completely objective account of the battle or miners' strike as Figgis is well-known for his political views,  the reconstruction sequences scripted and directed by EventPlan looked terrifyingly real and the miners' accounts were fascinating. Click here for a review.

Was the programme accurate, or unfair to the police? Read our account of the 1984 battle and judge for yourself. Alternatively, find out how others saw the confrontation via our Orgreave links page.

In the meantime, conceptual artist Jeremy Deller's book "The English Civil War Part II" is now available. It features personal accounts from  those who took part in 1984, articles (including a "tactical" account of the battle by Howard Giles), images, pamphlets, clippings and even the words of songs from the time, and colour/black & white photographs of both the original battle and re-enactment.  It also includes a CD with over an hour of interviews with former miners and some of their wives.

Re-enactors, social historians and most of all, those who were present in 1984 will find this book fascinating. Soft back, approx 160pp. Published by Artangel. Available in selected book shops, by post from Artangel, 31 Eyre Street Hill, London EC1R 5EW. Tel: 020 7713 1400, email cm@artangel.org.uk.  Price: £19.95 plus £2.35 p&p.

Updated 11 March 2003

Rain fails to stop play!

Despite adverse weather at times, lots of competition from other shows and, alas, disappointing visitor figures as a result, the London Historical Action Spectacular was successfully staged on 5-7 July.

Visitors and participants were unanimous in their praise for this ambitious multi-period event, as were our co-producers CIP. Indeed, a staggering 99% of respondents to the visitor exit poll said they would come back next year!

Visit Galleries 12 13 and 14 for over 100 pictures taken at this great event!

Updated 5 August 2002

Click the link for full details of this fantastic weekend!

28 March 2002

London prepares for its first taste of multi-period re-enactment!

The London

Historical Action Spectacular  

Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Feltham, West London

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2002

Plus Schools’ Living History Day (also open to the public),

Friday 5 July

With less than 5 weeks  to go before the London Historical Action Spectacular hits London on 6-7 July, final planning continues apace. The performers are booked, the services and props ordered (even a period 12-man rowing boat for Napoleonic marines!). An extensive publicity campaign is under way. Interest is already running high and the special schools' living history day on Friday 5 July already almost booked solid.

Plan your visit using our newly updated display timetable.

A pre-event photo shoot on 28 April produced some excellent pictures (including above), which can be viewed in Gallery 10

We at EventPlan are hugely looking forward to an excellent event and we hope that we shall see you there! For regularly updated detailed information, click into our event information pages (link above).

Save money when you visit this superb event! For discount advance booking, call 0845 456 2840 now!

Updated 3 June 2002

Crowds flock to the Stafford Castle 1000 Year Fair 2002!

Despite some pretty dire weather on the Saturday, the 1000 Year Fair held over the weekend of 18-19 May proved a great success with audiences and performers alike. The show offered 6 hours of of living history and entertainment each day, with a variety of things to see and do at any one time.

Click on the above link for further details, or to Gallery 11 for pictures.

20 May 2002

All set for the Stafford Castle 1000 Year Fair!

Back for a second great year, the Stafford Castle 1000 Year Fair is expected to entertain a large number of  visitors over the weekend of 18-19 May. It's a great family day out and offers excellent value for money. And there's a discount for advance bookings - call the Castle on 01785 257698.

Celebrating 1000 years of the castle and town's history, the packed programme from 11am to 5pm includes re-enactments, fighting knights, children's activities, drama, comedy, music and dance, archery, living history and historical crafts, al conjuring up a country fair through the ages.

Visit our information pages for more details, or click into our display timetable.

1 May 2002

Planning continues for London's first major multi-era historical re-enactment!

The London

Historical Action Spectacular  

Bedfont Lakes Country Park, Feltham, West London

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2002

Plus Schools’ Living History Day (also open to the public),

Friday 5 July

1200 performers, battles, displays, living history, music & dance, drama, comedy, children's entertainments, military vehicles, boats & fascinating historical crafts!

There's less than three months to go before the London Historical Action Spectacular hits London! With a great line up of participating groups and a full programme of exciting displays and activities, the event promises to be a hugely enjoyable occasion for visitors and performers alike.

Advance discount booking is available now on 0845 456 2840 (local call rate applies). Although tickets will of course be available on the day, visitors who book early will secure a handsome discount.

Schools are invited to pre-book a series a fascinating presentations especially arranged for the School's Living History Day on Friday 5 July, although of course also welcome at the full weekend show.

Tourism initiative for world heritage site

EventPlan's Howard & Barbara Giles have just returned from  visiting the spectacular remains of Vijayanagara (Hampi) in southern India.  Although a world heritage site, the 26-square mile ruined city, set in a stunning landscape, is virtually unknown due to poor marketing. EventPlan was invited to visit as part of a specialist team to try to seek sustainable solutions.

The capital of a powerful dynasty founded in the C13th century, Vijayanagara reached the peak of its glory under the great King Krishnadevaraya (1509-29). Unfortunately,  the dissolute and arrogant rule that followed the king's death united the empire's Moslem enemies, with the city being sacked in 1565 following the catastrophic defeat of its army. However, most stone buildings survived the destruction virtually intact and are still breathtaking, with entire temple complexes such as the Virupaksha (above - still in daily use), elaborate carvings, royal enclosures, vast private and public baths, bazaars, elegant buildings and  imposing elephant stables (see earlier news item below). Sunrise over the city viewed from the central high point of Matanga hill is simply awe-inspiring. If this city - truly a wonder of the world - was situated in England, it would probably be the UK's top historic attraction, but in India the site remains very much a hidden gem.

As a result of our visit we shall be making a series of recommendations on a wide range of subjects including access & infrastructure, accommodation & visitor facilities, interpretation & living history.

5 March 2002

Details of EventPlan’s 2002 multi-period spectacular unveiled

1000 years of combat!

2500 years of history!

Spectacle, thrills and action!

All in one place, on just one weekend!

A fantastic full family day out!

Confirmed for 5-7 July at Bedfont Lakes Country Park in West London, the    London historical Action Spectacular is being staged in association with the London Borough of Hounslow. Planned become an annual attraction, it offers exciting battles, military displays, medieval jousting in full plate armour, living history, drama, comedy, music, children's entertainments, a grand finale, fascinating historical crafts and much more, all set within the picturesque landscape, complete with lakes.

Emphasising quality rather than quantity, the show will feature around 1200 participants from top re-enactment and living history groups. Although participation is by invitation only, we are keen to hear from the owners of historical boats or amphibious vehicles who might like to come along. For further details of this exciting event, click the link above.

Updated 28 March 2002

EventPlan bound for India!

On 16 February Howard and Barbara Giles fly out to southern India as part of a small team looking at ways to increase visitor numbers to and enjoyment of the region around Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, destroyed by invasion in the sixteenth century. The city is a fabulous archaeological and cultural site featuring a wealth of temples and other buildings. Our job will be to assess potential for increased, sustainable tourism and make recommendations. We are looking forward to this fascinating project with enormous enthusiasm, but probably not to our inevitable return to cold, grey Britain on 3 March!

3 January 2002

2001

Details announced for the Stafford Castle

1000 year Fair, 18-19 May 2002  

Following the success of the 2001 fair, EventPlan and Stafford Borough Council have confirmed initial details of the 2002 show. The weekend of 18/19 May will become the new date for this enjoyable annual event, which this year will seek to create the atmosphere of a multi-period country fair with entertainments, re-enactments and craftsmen.

Stafford Castle is a an attractive venue ideal for this kind of event, proving very popular at the 2001 fair with visitors and participants alike. A variety of top groups and performers have been engaged for what we hope will be an even more enjoyable weekend in May 2002. Click here for more information.

1 December 2001

EventPlan wins Historic Houses Association award

Left:  The Earl of Leicester (left), with Howard Giles (centre) and Ian Castle

On Tuesday 20 November, EventPlan exhibited at the Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Event at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, organised for and by the Historic Houses Association. As newly joined corporate members of the HHA, we were pleased to be present and discuss our event services with numerous house owners and administrators. Our colourful stand attracted a lot of attention, but the star of the show was definitely Ian Castle, resplendent in the uniform of a British Officer of 1745, who even survived chats with those whose ancestors fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites!

Much to our delight, we won one of three awards at the exhibition,  for most interesting product or service, a plaque and bottle of champagne being presented to Howard Giles by the HHA’s President, the Earl of Leicester. EventPlan is looking forward to working with HHA members in organising high-quality events and re-enactments at historic properties around the country.

Click here for pictures.

21 November 2001

Battle of Orgreave film premiered on big screen

Mike Figgis’ one-hour film of the Battle of Orgreave has been premiered in  Sheffield and London. It tells the story of the climactic clash of the bitter 1984 miners’ strike through interviews with participants and by following how EventPlan’s groundbreaking re-enactment was organised and staged.

Initially screened at the Showroom Cinema Sheffield to an invited audience, the film’s London premier was held at the Odeon West End in Leicester Square on 19 November, where it was shown to hundreds of guests,  re-enactors  and public as part of the Regus London Film Festival. Three further special public showings followed at the Showroom Cinema on 15 December.

It is very unusual for TV documentaries to be shown on the big screen, so this represents a major coup for producers Artangel. Although the film has a definite political bias (as opposed to the non-political re-enactment) we at EventPlan were impressed with the film, which was well received at the special showings. We  hope that this proof of re-enactors’ professional approach to filmed recreations will not be overlooked by other film makers. 

Our re-enactment in June 2001 was apolitical, carefully recreating the original confrontation rather than interpreting it. The film is however deliberately different insomuch that it reflects Mike Figgis’ more personal view of the battle, its heroes and villains. Click here for a review.

The film is due to be screened on Channel 4 in July 2002. Revisit this news section for updates.

See details of how EventPlan staged its extremely realistic re-enactment. Click for a historical account of the actual confrontation or for photographs of the recreation.

21 November 2001 

1000 years of history recreated in one afternoon!

Stafford Castle’s 1000 Year Fair took place over the weekend of 21-22 July. Top re-enactors from Saxon warriors to Staffordshire soldiers of two world wars staged arena and living history display in the castle and grounds. Selected traders were also present, offering a fascinating variety of craft demonstrations and unusual items for sale. Organised by EventPlan on behalf of Stafford Borough council, the event was judged a big success with extremely positive audience reaction.