Festival of History returns to UK

The UK is set for some great short break holidays this summer as English Heritage's Festival of History returns with a spectacular bang to Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire.

Now in its seventh year, the event is taking place over the weekend of Saturday July 25th and will see 1,000 historical interpreters and 100 glorious performances commemorating England's past as well as daily adrenalin pumping World War II tank displays.

New for Europe’s biggest historical event in 2009, and continuing this year's Henry VIII anniversary celebrations, will be the chance to witness the fervour and danger of a Tudor joust.

Splendidly recreated with all the authentic trappings of traditional armour, solid wooden lances and a cast of costumed knights and courtiers, it's a joust sure to get the royal seal of approval.

Emily Burns, head of events at English Heritage, said: "It's by far our blockbuster event of the year. Since its inception seven years ago, the Festival of History has attracted more than 90,000 visitors from across the world.

"It's an extraordinary way to spend a summer's weekend.

“One minute you'll be finding out what the Egyptians did with ants eggs, crocodile dung and sheep fat, all in the name of beauty, and the next you'll be cheering for 'the soldiers of Waterloo', as Wellington's remarkable army, accompanied by impressive Congreves war rocket demonstrations, meet the victors of the Peninsular war.”

For more information visitors should log onto Festival of History.

travelbite.co.uk staff