AVONCROFT Museum was packed and buzzing on the opening day of the two-day International Living History Festival.
More than 400 re-enactors were on-site showcasing 700 years of the past – all spread out over the 19 acres of the site and its 30 historical buildings.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The car parks were full to bursting and when you went in, you could see why.
Alex Wolswijk, Luke Greenwood and Aran Sullivan from the BrumVik Vikings. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Medieval groups and vikings were demonstrating combat, soldiers from numerous eras were marching on-site and others were speaking to the visitors – more than 800 in total – about what they were watching and experiencing.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Among the scenes created were some from the First and Second World War, American revolutionaries, Romans, Victorians and more.
Aulus Vicus from the Roman / iron age re-enactors. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The re-enactors – spread across 40 camps – have been using many of the historic buildings as part of their amazing reconstructions. As well as combat, they have been illustrating what daily lives were like from work and crafts to cooking and general living conditions.
Inga from the Svartland (Black Country) Vikings. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Among the copious highlights were Vikings battling it out with Napoleonic troops, medieval weavers and sail-makers teaming up with stone age settlers, storytellers sharing tales with dancers and musicians.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
This is billed as a ‘true family event, packed with education and entertainment’ and was a truly incredible experience.
Cpl Ian Cowling with the Vicker’s Machine Gun – part of the Great War Society. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
There will also be trader stalls, selling historically inspired artefacts from jewellery and hats to handmade tools, costumes and cloth to historic pottery.
Steve and Kathy Cashmore depicted life in 1953 in Avoncroft’s 1946 prefab. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
And there will be a real taste of history a medieval kitchen display and multiple mead-makers among the traders.
This year there is also a ‘Meet the Authors area’ with talks and presentations being held across the weekend in the Historic Long Room (upstairs)
Edwin Elmhurst from the Tudor Lypett Household. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Music and dance was and will be on display in the Guesten Hall and food and drink will be available in our tea rooms and at our Event Cafe in Guesten Hall.
Elaine Smith, Helen Carter and Robin Mellor from the On War Service First World War re-enactment group. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
And there will be more of the same tomorrow (Sunday, April 27) when the International Living History Festival enters its second day. Below is what is happening and when.
Heritage Bus Service
A free return Heritage Bus service will be running from Bromsgrove Railway Station to and from Avoncroft Museum, following the idea of bringing together two cherished heritage museums and providing access to visitors from railway stations further up the line.
This has been made possible by Bromsgrove Council Cultural Compact and Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership.
Those who show their train ticket – electronic or paper – can receive a a free tea or coffee at the pop-up Event Café in Guesten Hall at Avoncroft Museum.
Visit: avoncroft.org.uk for more information on the International Living History Festival and more forthcoming events.
