Latest news with #reenactment
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hundreds celebrate Sutton Hoo burial ship's 1400th anniversary
Hundreds of people visited the site of where an Anglo-Saxon ship was buried to celebrate its 1400th Hoo near Woodbridge, Suffolk, is famous for the excavation that revealed the ship in 1939, considered to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all celebrate the anniversary of the ship's burial in 625 AD, reenactment actors from across the world came together to recreate the burial Musson, the event's organiser who is part of the group Wulfheodenas which celebrates the 6th and 7th Centuries, said it had been "a big task" to orchestrate. "Sutton Hoo and the burial here, the finds and treasures, have huge significance for Britain," she explained."When I realised it was the 1400 year anniversary, I hadn't heard anything about it being celebrated and I thought it needed to be done."I think it is the biggest gathering of living historians that we've had on the site so I'm quite pleased about that." Historians believe the ship was for the ruler King Raedwald of East Anglia, but they will never be sure as when the ship was found any bodily remains were claimed by the acidic local soil and only the treasures inside remained. Ms Musson described Sutton Hoo as the "jewel in the crown of Suffolk" and believed it should be celebrated the weekend 80 living historians were also on site while actors portrayed what life was like during this was also a recreation of the ship's burial complete with music and readings. Colin Steenbergen is a reenactor from the Netherlands, but has lived in Switzerland for past 20 travelled close to nine hours to get to Sutton Hoo after being invited by other Steenbergen said he had been "awestruck" when he saw other well-known reenactors on the site and had met some of his heroes. "In my opinion it might be one of the most important archaeological finds in western Europe," Mr Steenbergen said of Sutton Hoo."I do think it carries with it an extreme importance and weight which connects people to this day because it is a bit of heritage that we should truly treasure in my opinion," he added. National Trust customer experience director, Josh Ward, said it had been "the most incredible spectacle" to see so many people come from all over the world to celebrate the site."Sutton Hoo is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and people do come from all over the place to see it," he said."We've got living history experts not just from across England, we've got people from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, it's a real international gathering and the biggest living history event we've ever had at Sutton Hoo." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Photos: Redcoats, rebels and families take over Old Sturbridge Village
For most of the year, visitors walking around Old Sturbridge Village get a good sense of what it was like to live in New England in the late 18th through early 19th centuries, but for one weekend a year, they experience what it was like to be at war around that time. Hundreds of reenactors and translators portraying soldiers and other figures, including more than 40 Revolutionary War reenacting groups, turned the living history museum into a revolutionary encampment Saturday as part of the museum's annual Redcoats and Rebels interactive program, which continues Sunday. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Volunteers and reenactment groups recreate life during wartime in the 18th and 19th centuries at Old Sturbridge Village on Aug. 2. Visitors were encouraged to get in on the action, learning to march with soldiers, how to reveal a spy and what it took to fire a cannon. In addition to watching a battle reenactment, visitors also got a glimpse of the many the things it took to support the soldiers through the 'daily necessities of cooking and baking, tending animals, making music and sleeping by campfire,' according to a press release. 'Redcoats and Rebels is one of our most popular and unforgettable events,' Jim Donahue, president and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village, said in the release. 'With America250 fast approaching, we're committed to making this year's experience especially meaningful and thought-provoking. It's a rare opportunity to step into a defining moment in our nation's history and learn what life was like for those who risked everything in the fight for independence.' America250 will be celebrated next July, when the United States commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Reenactors with The Lexington Minute Men were the host unit leading the Americans and His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot was the host leading the British. 'This is an event we look forward to participating in every year, and it's a great time for families and history buffs who want to help in commemorating the legacy of our patriotic ancestors and see history come to life,' said Lexington Minute Men Captain Steve Cole. Tickets range in price, with an adult non-museum member costing $32. Visit the site for more ticket information. The museum opens at 9:30 a.m. Sunday. destinations Port Summer Nights light up Harwich Port with free mid-week musical strolls The Ocean House at 40: Cape Cod's coastal culinary spot still a staple in the community 1920s-inspired Boston bar among best in the country, USA TODAY says Historical Mass. walking tour ranked 1st in US by popular travel website New 1920s-inspired restaurant, live music venue opens in Boston area Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I visited UK's largest Viking festival with fierce battle re-enactments, fire dancing and walking on hot coals
WITH an almighty roar, a war-painted Viking swings an axe above his head and a shield maiden takes the ultimate test of courage – shattering an arrow with her neck. Meanwhile, several people are preparing to march across hot coals to show their allegiance to Odin and the Norse gods. 8 8 8 But in their daily life, these warriors are actually income recovery specialists from Eastleigh, Hants, and a medical researcher from Cheshire. For the weekend they have shed the shackles of normal life to become Viking warriors. Medical researcher Andy Thurstan, 48, told The Sun: 'I saw the festival online and thought it looked like great fun. One thing led to another and suddenly I'm here in full Viking dress wearing proper Icelandic sheep's wool around my neck. 'It's a nice escape from normal life, and despite the reputation of Northmen, everyone is really friendly.' Welcome to the UK's largest Viking festival, Valhalla, now in its fifth year, which attracts 5,000 people to Drummer Down Farm in Basingstoke, Hants, for a weekend of boozing, fight training and connecting with the old Norse gods. Andy and pal Ken Hurley, 42, a caterer from Cheshire, have driven down for the 72-hour event, which offers everything from fierce battle reenactments to willow weaving. The pair amble off to get themselves some mead, with wooden axes attached to their backs and swords strapped to their hips. 'The bones are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago' While some attendees used Vinted and the internet to get costumes, other raiders have made them by hand. Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. Among the latter camp are Simon Jones and Helen Jones, both 54, who have upped the ante for their third year at the historical extravaganza. Simon, from Bath, said: 'We've made our costumes. Some of the bones Helen is wearing are from a KFC we had a few weeks ago. Can't waste anything! 'Coming here is such a great experience. As a kid I used to go to Durdle Door Beach to make massive fires and cook meat. 'Here we can do that again with the loveliest people. 'Plus I can wave my axe when I want more ale during the feast.' On Friday, the Vikings were welcomed with a special ceremony in the woodlands where all the different Norse gods blessed the festival. As the chanting started and the drums began to beat, the wind picked up suddenly and a Northman dropped to one knee to propose. Gareth Van De Merwe, 42, created a special axe with a wolf-shaped ring attached for Sarah Paul, 37, from Horncastle, Lincs. As the onlookers cheer, she shouts out 'Yes', causing horns to be blown and shields banged. 8 8 At night, nearly 1,000 flock to a mead hall fit for a jarl — a Norse chieftain — to tear into platters of meat, cheese and bread while downing ale and mead. Looking forward to the evening's festivities are sisters Debbie Burns, 34, and Vicki Hayes, 36, who are wearing hand-made feather headdresses that make them look like ancient priestesses. Mental health worker Debbie, from Battle, East Sussex, told The Sun: 'This is my first time at the festival in this little fantasy world and I'm loving it. 'We've had our runes read and every single stall we've been to is really passionate about the craft they are showcasing or teaching. 'It's a weekend where you can just lose yourself.' Support worker Vicki has met up with a friend she made here last year, Portuguese bar worker Adriana Ribeiro, 35. She said: 'It's so lovely that you make friends that you can meet up with year after year and it never feels like any time has passed.' Just behind the ladies, a queue is forming for the archery lessons. To the right, screams ring out as wannabe Vikings hurl an axe at a target with all the strength they can muster. Many miss the target, and those that hit it struggle to throw it hard enough for it to stay embedded. But the main attraction for many who have flown or driven to the event is the firewalking session, which trains participants to place their bare feet on hot coals. John Young, 56, is a fifth-generation Northumbria farmer who discovered firewalking at a low point in his life — and claims it helped him heal. Now, as an instructor, he brings the skill to other people to help them overcome their fears. Before being able to walk the burning embers, those taking part are taught how to break an arrow by just stepping forward. The bolt is placed tip first into the participant's neck, the end held in place with a wooden board. The warrior then takes two breaths and on the third steps forward causing the arrow to shatter. 'It's a chance to let go of the modern world' Income recovery specialist Chrissie Blomley, 35, from Eastleigh, said: 'I didn't think I'd be able to do it. 'But I told myself 'f*** it' and stepped forward. 'Valhalla has been the best day out I've ever been on. It's so refreshing to see people being themselves. I've made friends for life today.' Fellow arrow-breaker Lee Byrne, 52, from Gosport, Hants, said: 'You can feel the pressure from the tip of the arrow in your neck, but snapping it feels amazing when you take that step forward.' Once the bolt has been shattered, it is time to trot over the glowing coals — and many people who walked the fire claimed they barely felt the heat. For those who aren't ready to put their life — or their feet — on the line, they can watch others show off in the battle re-enactments which take place in the main arena. 8 8 8 As two rival clans face up to each other, crowds can be heard whooping and hollering as they bay for blood. In this case, it's a tiny cut to Kevin McPhail's cheek suffered mid-battle. Leading Clan Magnus, the 35-year-old Northern Irish fighter and his team are putting on a show for the baying spectators. They use a mix of axes, swords and pikes to recreate what a real battle would look like. The clan even has an archer in the form of photocopier repair man Paul Sykes, 62, who is part of Peterborough's Wodens Hearth re- enactment group. Also performing is James Parrish, 48, a tree surgeon from Lincs, but instead of taking part in the fake battle he is helping out with the firedancing by jumping though a flaming hoop. During the day, though, he's teaching archery to Viking hopefuls with his son Brandon, 18, and welder Lee Hammond, 62, from Lincs. Those after something more spiritual are catered for as well with hand-fasting — a pagan wedding ritual — and naming ceremonies. And to close? What else but a Viking boat burning. A fireshow leads the way to the symbolic torching, and offerings are placed into the miniature version of a Viking longboat before it is set ablaze. Reflecting on the weekend, Tarmac specialist Kyle Lette, 33, from Ipswich, tells The Sun: 'I've never felt more relaxed than when I'm here. 'It's a beautiful place and a chance to let go of the modern world. 'The second I step into Valhalla, my head clears. And I've not checked my phone once!'
New York Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A Napoleon From Long Island Meets His Waterloo
On a field near the Belgian village of Waterloo, a Napoleon re-enactor, riding a white horse, gave orders to hundreds of people in military uniform. 'Vive l'Empereur!' they shouted back. The stand-in Napoleon, wearing a black bicorne hat, looked just like the real Napoleon, sharing his 5-foot-6 height, angular nose and light gray-blue eyes. There was one big difference: He was not French, but American — an American with a French accent that is 'quite horrific,' said Arnaud Springuel, an organizer of the annual battle re-enactment. 'For me, it's not a problem,' Mr. Springuel said. 'But the public doesn't expect that from Napoleon,' he said. For the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, the organizers held their biggest re-enactment in a decade, with 2,200 actors restaging the battle last weekend before 17,000 spectators. Mark Schneider, born on Long Island, secured the job over other would-be Napoleons, including from Belgium and Italy, in part because of his unrivaled ability to command respect on the battlefield, several organizers said. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
‘Knight' rushed to hospital after SWORD accidentally pierces his helmet during medieval battle reenactment at castle
A MAN involved in a medieval reenactment is in a serious condition after suffering a horrendous sword injury. The 37-year-old man was wearing body armour when his opponent's sword entered his visor just before 3pm. 2 He has been left in a serious condition after suffering a head injury. Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward after the incident on Sunday at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex. They are specifically looking for photographs or video footage of the incident. Detective Inspector Barry Chandler from Sussex Police said: "A man was unfortunately injured during the combat re-enactment. 'We are treating the incident as an accident and we are offering support to his family. His opponent, a 36-year-old man also from Horsham, and the organisers are helping us with our enquiries. 'We know the re-enactment had drawn a large crowd and understand that anyone who witnessed the scene could have found this distressing. 'We are appealing to anyone who has photographs or videos of the interaction that led to the injury to contact us so we can gain a clear understanding of what happened.' The man is being treated at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. 2
