History in the making! Fascinating new festival lifts lid on how folk from past lived their lives

Living History Festival




History at half-term is on our doorsteps thanks to a fascinating new festival that will lift the lid on exactly how folk from various eras in the past lived their lives.

Families are being urged to step back in time and walk through the ages at the Weald & Downland Living History Festival over the weekend of June 3rd and 4th.

Perhaps you are keen to discover what happened at a medieval tournament? Or you may be itching to find out how did Saxon craftspeople made beautiful items? What were the sights and smells of a Tudor market? How did those with little money survive in the Victorian era?

All of the questions, and many more, will be answered, hopefully – as vent organisers say that during this special weekend visitors to the site at Singleton, Chichester, have the chance to walk through many different eras, from Roman to the 20th century, to discover all this and much more.

Scores of re-enactors are poised to provide a glimpse into a different age. Activities will be located across the museum site, with timed events in the field arena. It’s billed as an event for all the family with encampments to explore, food and drink to taste, demonstrations of horsemanship and military drills to watch as well as trades, crafts and historical demonstrations to enjoy.

Groups present over the weekend include Destrier and The Pastons, Hartleys Companie, Myal Pyper, Pelican-in-her-Piety, RAF Regiment Historic Flight, The Ragged Victorians, The Tudor Group, The Yeomanry and Territorial Force, Wardour Garrison and Weorod, alongside the museum’s team of demonstrators.

Regular Museum admission prices apply and include admission to the show and museum. The Living History Festival will open at 10.30am and close at 5pm. The Museum itself will also close at the end of the show for safety reasons. Visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the museum on 01243 811363. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is ample free parking.




About the Author

Carl Eldridge
Carl Eldridge is a hugely experienced journalist who has worked on local and national newspapers, magazines and written for websites over the past 30 years. He lives in Bognor Regis with his wife and son. And he is a life-long Arsenal fan.