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2009 Events List

Events List 2009...
Bringing history alive at the Royal Gunpowder Mills

Back for another season is our most successful VE Day weekend including the fantastic Grace Spitfire display (Monday only), our Steam & Country Show, and our Rocket & Space Event. Also returning are Medieval Jousting events and the Legend of Robin Hood.

There is NO EXTRA CHARGE for our event weekends. Your ticket allows you entry to our award winning exhibition and is valid for two consecutive days.

Download our Events List Poster

Open Wednesdays during Summer School Break

We will be open on Wednesdays during Summer School Break with special family activities.

Weekend Events for 2009

Railway Restoration Project - 25th & 26th April

Welcome to our summer season. Find out more about the creation of our new narrow gauge railway.

VE Day Celebration - 2nd, 3rd, & 4th May

Military and civilian re-enactors will help you experience life as it was during World War II. Visit a 1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen. Experience an air raid and take cover in our shelter.

Steam & Country Show - 16th & 17th May

The nostalgia of steam, the smell of hot oil and coal smoke returns to the Mills for the third time in over seventy years. Steam lorries, traction engines, road rollers from scale to full size. Country crafts.

Saxon & Norman Times - 23rd, 24th & 25th May

Re-enactment group Regia Anglorum accurately re-creates the lives of the British people 1000 years ago, from Alfred the Great to Richard the Lionheart.

The Anglo-Zulu War - 6th & 7th June

130th Anniversary of the Anglo-Zulu War with The Diehard Company, 1879 Group, Heilbron Commando and Naval Brigade. Demonstrations of living history and stunning battle scenes.

Medieval Jousting Event - 13th & 14th June

A spectatcular medieval display with the Knights of Royal England. Horses and Knights are costumed with steel armour for the period 1250 -1300. Watch as they go to battle and fight for their honour.

Vicus Roman Event - 20th & 21st June

Discover life at the time of the Roman invasion.

Celebrate Father's Day with all your family.

English Civil War Event - 27th & 28th June

The Blew Regiment of the Sealed Knot Society present an authentic impression of a 17th Century military unit in dress, equipment, and actions on the battlefield.

Rocket & Space Event - 4th & 5th July

The emphasis at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Rocket and Space Day, will be on fun rather than physics, but we promise everyone will learn something.

America in the 18th Century - 11th & 12th July

New France and Old England is a UK based living history association recreating colonial America in the 18th century.

Medieval Siege Society Event - 18th & 19th July

Travel back in time to medieval England. The Medieval Siege Society will be demonstrating medieval combat, archery and a re-enactment of a battle from the period.

Napoleonic Assoc. Re-enactment - 25th & 26th July

Talk to costumed re-enactors demonstrating day-to-day life, military drills and culminating in an exciting battle between the two countries forces.

English Civil War - 1st & 2nd August

English Civil War skirmish and living history re-enactment with Rawdon's Regiment.

Classic Vehicle Show - 8th & 9th August

A brand new event for 2008. CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW will provide a two day display of veteran, vintage and classic cars, commercial & military vehicles, caravans and motorcycles.

World War I Event - 15th & 16th August

Re-enactors and static displays of WW I memorabilia.

Medieval Jousting Event - 22nd & 23rd August

A spectatcular medieval display with the Knights of Arkley. Horses and Knights are costumed with steel armour for the period 1250 -1300. Watch as they go to battle and fight for their honour.

Legend of Robin Hood - 29th, 30th & 31st August

A medieval spectacular with the Golden Eagle Archers.

Children's Fancy Dress competition - prize awarded each day for the best costume.

Essex Militia Living History - 5th & 6th September

Transport yourself back to the time of Charles II when living history group 'The Essex Militia' set up camp for the weekend. Giving visitors a real taste of life during the mid 1660s this event has an authentic.

Victorian Experience - 12th & 13th September

Family day with children's activities where you can experience Victorian life through including high days and holidays, the Victorian school and working life.

Multi Period Event - 19th & 20th September

A family weekend of activities from various re-enactment groups throughout history. Includes Medieval, World War I and II, Home Front and Victorian events. Plenty of hands on things to do for children.

Home Front Family Event - 26th & 27th September

Living history to discover the 1940s. Children's activities include survive an air raid, discover rationing, identify aircraft, and uncover an enemy spy! Final weekend of our regular summer season.

Guy Fawkes Experience - 7th & 8th November

A family weekend of activities themed around the Gunpowder Plot. Discover the story of the plot and its characters through interactive scenes including learning about Stuart era foods.

Victorian Christmas - Sunday 13th December

A family day of activities. Participate in Victorian games, learn about the food and gifts, meet Colonel Brackenbury and his family as they celebrate. Take the land train and visit Santa in his grotto.