Hail Brockholes, the Romans are coming

Carpe Diem (seize the day) and visit Brockholes for some Roman-themed fun, surrounded by Lancashire’s most amazing nature reserve over August Bank Holiday.

Historical re-enactment and research group the Roman Military Research Society will march onto the floating Visitor Village, dressed in authentic Roman clothes.

The Roman Takeover Fete will take place on the Visitor Village from Saturday August 29 to Monday August 31, from 10am-4pm, and stalls will showcase Roman artifacts, fashion, models demonstrating Roman architecture and traditional games.

Weaponry on display will include two catapults, bows, slingshot, javelins and a reproduction of the first known European crossbow, the “arcuballista”. There will also be 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 and explore armour and weapons before forming a shield wall and participating in a battle challenge (parents vs children). Tickets for this are £5 and they receive a certificate of Roman citizenship and a wooden sword.

The Brockholes education team will be running Roman workshops where children can choose from building a Roman fort, creating Roman crafts and games or trying (safe) fire lighting and making bread on a fire.

There will still be many of the popular elements of the usual summer village fete for people to enjoy including bouncy castles, crafts, games and cookie decorating.

A herald 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!”

Tickets are Adults £8, Children (under 16) £15, Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £33, Children (under 4) free, booked here: 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 who need a break from invading other places.