Meet the Invaders this Bank Holiday at Fort Nelson and enjoy new half-term children’s event! - Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Visit Fort Nelson this Bank Holiday (Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31) and meet the invaders who have tried to conquer our country through the ages.
The Invaders’ event includes two days of fierce battles and re-enactments, from 10am to 5pm, at the Royal Armouries Portsdown Hill museum, which is undergoing an exciting £3.5 million redevelopment later this year.
From the days of ancient and medieval sieges using the mighty Trebuchet catapult – to keeping Napoleon’s men from the door – the event covers the story of how England repelled unwanted visitors through the ages.
Highlights include living history camps, marching and battle displays and the rare chance to see a cannon fired from one of the Victorian Fort’s underground gun positions to keep French invaders at bay. This part of the event will be under cover – ear plugs optional!
There will be something to keep all ages occupied with free children’s workshops on Sunday and Monday, creating Viking invaders’ battle gear. In addition, the fort’s team of professional actors will be taking visitors back in time with their anti-invasion theatrical performances.
The days’ events culminate in a spectacular Napoleonic battle as Redcoats and Greenjackets try to stop Napoleon Bonaparte’s army from running the tricolour up Fort Nelson’s flagpole!
Tickets cost £5 for adults; £2.50 for children; or buy a family ticket for four for £12. No need to book – turn up on the day.
Half-term Fun
The Royal Armouries is staging a new children’s event during half-term, as the country is gripped by Robin Hood fever, with the release of the latest film, depicting tales of the nation’s favourite outlaw.
Tuesday, June 1
Legends of Robin Hood
Listen to tales of Sherwood Forest, try medieval dressing up, have a go at real longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle.
Thursday, June 3
Hunting Hawks and Creepy Crawlies
Drop into the Fort and enjoy a Victorian costumed display of magnificent birds of prey. Children can also handle creepy crawlies – even a real tarantula spider!
No need to book for any of these children’s events– just drop in.
Tickets are priced £1 for adults, £2.50 for children and £5 for a family ticket of up to two adults and four children.
Fort Nelson also has secret underground tunnels and chambers to explore, hundreds of big guns and cannon, live performances, gun firings and guided tours every day. Museum entrance on non-event days is free.
For more information regarding these, and all forthcoming events at the Fort, visit www.royalarmouries.org
Photo opportunities
You are invited to send a reporter and photographer/camera crew to any of these events at Fort Nelson.
…ENDS…
Notes to editors
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.
- Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
- Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
- Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
- Admission charges apply to some events.
- Information line: 01329 233734
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
- The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Media contact
Joss Loader
Primary PR Ltd.
Tel: 07838 379599
Email: info@primarypr.co.uk
Download the PDF press release.