History Alive! At Bersham Ironworks

A popular ‘living history’ event will make its return to Wrexham tomrrow.

‘History Alive!’, Wrexham’s only and annual living history festival will take place tomorrow (Sunday 24th August) at the Bersham Ironworks.

Kicking off at midday the organisers have teamed up with Britain’s leading Roman re-enactment group, Deva Victrix, and Legion Ireland, the specialists in Roman siege machinery to stage this one-off festival of Roman Imperial mechanical might.

Throughout the day there will be over 100 veteran, vintage and classic cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles. There will also be the chance to vote for your favourite car!

Jonathan Gammond, Access & Interpretation Officer for Wrexham Heritage Services said: “Each year History Alive focuses on a different period of history. The Romans are always popular, but we didn’t want to repeat the same old Roman re-enactment display.”

A full programme for ‘History Alive!’ can be found below:

Midday – History Alive! opens to the public. Imperial Roman Legionaries march around the showground.

12.30p.m – Roman Camp: Children’s Roman Army – Enrol now if you want to be a Roman soldier!

1.00pm – Arena: Roman Legionaries military display by Deva Victrix

1.30pm – Corridor of Death & Destruction: Ballista Ballistics – siege engine demonstration & talks by Legion Ireland

2.00pm – Arena: Children’s Roman Army display

2.45pm – Last chance to vote for your favourite cars, motorcycles, machines and engines!

3.00pm – Corridor of Death & Destruction and Arena: Ballista Ballistics – siege engine demonstration by Legion Ireland and Roman Legionaries battle display by Deva Victrix.

3.45pm – Arena: Deva Victrix – Valete, Cives Britanniae!

4.00pm – History Alive! finishes

Throughout the afternoon there will be story telling events for children, tours of the Ironworks by Brian Gresty and face painting

Several stalls will also be present on the day, including Wrexham History, Wem Treacle Mill, The Woodland Trust and North Wales Miners Association.

Refreshments are also available throughout the afternoon.

History Alive! takes place at Bersham Ironworks, just follow AA signs from the A525 (Wrexham-Ruthin road) and the A5152 (Wrexham-Ruabon road). Admission: £4 Adults, £3 Concessions and £1 Children (under 18). Free parking on site.

For more information: tel 01978 318 970 or follow Wrexham Museums on Facebook and Twitter.