Our 4th amazing year! Historical re-enactments and living history from ancient times to the late 20th Century - modern army displays - motorcycle displays - bands - helicopters - tanks and other military vehicles - static displays - probably the most spectacular event of its kind in the UK!

Following the huge success of the 2006 festival , we have once again been invited to increase the scale of our historical displays, forming an integral part of Army's spectacular one-day festival. This will be the show's 4th year, bigger and better than ever, and one of the biggest events of its kind in the UK, with its superb blend of military, civilian and historical displays. As many as 35,000 people are expected, based on the 2006 event. It's all in a very good cause too, with all profits going to army charities.

The Garrison is home to 16 Air Assault Brigade , part of which was until recently deployed in Afghanistan. The venue, Abbey Fields, is an attractive large open grass area with trees, adjacent to the garrison and within easy walking distance of the town centre.

Visitors will enjoy a superb line up from the elite of British re-enactment and living history depicting soldiers through the ages, from the ancient era to today. In addition to ongoing living history displays, there will be a chronological "time line" of history through individual displays within our own separate arena depicting the uniforms, weaponry and tactics of numerous historical eras, plus in the main arena, major displays including Medieval and World War Two battles. Our groups will also form a major part of the Grand Finale - Salute to Colchester - a parade of all military participants, military music, followed by Sunset , and flyover. The event will also form part of the 25th anniversary commemorations of the Falklands campaign.

There will be a huge array of other displays and attractions arranged by the army including (subject to final confirmation) a modern-day infantry assault, helicopters, the Red Devils parachute display team, daredevil motorcyclists, Army bands, over 60 military vehicles old and new, classic cars, army tug of war, archery & air rifles, garrison radio road show and many static displays....all in all a fantastic day out.

Performers

The excellent line up of historical performers so far - more to be added, please revisit for a full list - includes;

Roman: The Colchester Roman Society and Legio XIIII Martia Victrix .

Viking: Ormsgard!

Medieval: The Wars of the Roses Federation , Erpyngham Retinue and Hellequin

C16th: Fahnlein Uri

English Civil War: The Sealed Knot

Napoleonic: 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot

American Civil War: The Southern Skirmish Association (subject to final confirmation)

WWI: The 16th Lancers

WWII: The World War II Living History Association , World War 2 Display Team , Far Setting Sun Far East Living History Group , 21st Army Group (C.M.P) and Blackout Volunteers .

1980s-modern: 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment Living History Association .

Admission prices

Adult £8, Senior Citizens and under 16s £5, Family £20 - outstanding value including a free programme (one per ticket purchaser or group). Tickets will be available on the day and in advance from Colchester Tourist information Centre & the Town Hall. A discount will apply to pre-purchased tickets, please revisit here for more details once announced. On-site parking is now FREE.

Contact: EventPlan