AVONCROFT Museum will be brought to life over the weekend when the International Living History Festival returns to the venue tomorrow and Sunday, April 15 and 16.
More than 40 of the best living history re-enactment groups will set up camps on-site so visitors can journey through time from the Stone Age, through the Viking era, medieval times and Tudor period, to the 1940s and beyond.
The International Living History Festival is all set for its second year at its new home.
This year there will be lots of hands-on activities as well as historic displays, the historically themed market, and some of the world’s finest living history re-enactors, making for an unforgettable family day out.
Museum director Zoe Willems siad everyone was delighted to be welcoming the festival back.
“This is history you can touch, smell, feel and even taste.
“The re-enactors are all passionate about their period and look forward to displaying and engaging with visitors throughout the weekend.
“Join in, browse, or just soak up the atmosphere – it’s going to be a great and memorable weekend.”
Dave Allan from Pike and Shot Events has organised the festival and seen it grow over a number of years, including last year’s move from Essex to the Midlands.
He said: “This years’ event at Avoncroft Museum is bigger and better than last years’ – we now have a waiting list of the top re-enactment and living history groups who want to come and showcase their work.”
He added, as well as the historic buildings and surroundings, it was also easy to get to via the M5 and M42.
New for 2023 is a large contingent of American Civil War re-enactors from the American Civil War Society, the Southern Skirmish Association (SoSkAn) and the 24th Virginia Regiment who will take over the museum’s orchard.
Zoe added: “We are also encouraging people to travel by train and we’ve been working with the Transport Museum at Wythall and Worcester Community Rail Partnership to make this part of the historic experience.
“The Transport Museum will provide a free heritage bus shuttle directly to and from Bromsgrove Station via the Norton Collection Museum in Bromsgrove town centre and back to Avoncroft Museum throughout the festival weekend.
“Your journey to the past can begin on the bus.”
Food and drink will also be available from street food vendors, historic purveyors and from Avoncroft’s own tea rooms.
Train rides on the model railway, for just £1 per person, will run from 11am to 3pm on both days, thanks to the Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers.
Visit avoncroft.org.uk for more information and discount tickets.
