The Roman Military Research Society will march onto the floating Visitor Village at Brockholes nature reserve from Saturday August 29 to Monday August 31, 10am-4pm, for a Roman Takeover Fete. Stalls will showcase Roman artifacts, fashion, models of Roman architecture, and traditional games. Weaponry on display includes two catapults, bows, slingshot, javelins, and a reproduction of the first known European crossbow, the "arcuballista".
Live Demonstrations and Citizen Training
Visitors can witness live demonstrations of Roman combat, cooking, and firing of the Roman ballista. Children can join the Roman Citizen Training School, where they learn about Roman citizenship, explore armour and weapons, form a shield wall, and participate in a battle challenge (parents vs children). Tickets for this are £5, and participants receive a certificate of Roman citizenship and a wooden sword.
Workshops and Family Activities
The Brockholes education team will run Roman workshops where children can build a Roman fort, create Roman crafts and games, or try safe fire lighting and make bread on a fire. Popular elements of the usual summer village fete remain, including bouncy castles, crafts, games, and cookie decorating.
A herald from the Roman Military Research Society said: "It will be Veni, Vidi, Vici, or I Came, I Saw, I Conquered, as we Romans often say. It will be a friendly conquest as we explain how the Romans lived in Rome and Ancient Britain, and how they would have been surrounded by much of the wildlife we are seeing today. And get your togas out because fancy dress is absolutely encouraged!"
Ticket Prices and Location
Tickets are adults £8, children (under 16) £15, family ticket (two adults and two children) £33, children (under four) free. Booking is available at: Brockholes Village Fete | The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire Manchester and North Merseyside. Brockholes can be found off junction 31 of the M6 close to Preston. It is open all year round for nature lovers.
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to protecting and promoting wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester, and four of Merseyside. It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 local nature reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland, and meadow. The Trust has 30,500 members and over 1,500 volunteers.
