For more than 40 years, the faithful troops of The Sealed Knot have gathered in the historic town of Nantwich, Cheshire, to re-enact the bloody battle that took place in 1643.
Now known as Holly Holy Day, the annual event re-enacts the battle that ended the long and painful siege of the town.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 25th January, with a parade and battle. There will be events in the town from 10am onwards, offering a whole day of family entertainment. Visitors should expect plenty of street entertainment including the Plough Witches, Domesday Morris dancers, the Funky Choir and 17th Century music from Forlorne Hope. There will also be guided tours and walks, musket and pike demonstrations, a hog roast and a performance from Cheshire Drums.
The event will culminate with the troops of The Sealed Knot marching through the town to the main square. There will be a short commemorative service before the troops head down to Mill Island at 1.30pm. Re-enactment of the 1643 battle will then take place, along with artillery demonstrations and some rather big bangs!
Nantwich has been a staple of the re-enactment calendar for more than four decades, and thousands turn out every year to watch The Sealed Knot mark this pivotal moment in the town’s history. From the impressive sight of hundreds of troops marching through the town, to the sounds of battle, come rain or shine this is an event that always proves popular with local families.
When: 25th January 2020
Where: Nantwich town centre, Cheshire
£: Admission to watch the Mill Island battle costs £3 for adults, £1 for children or £6 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Wristbands are available from the town square. Many of the town centre events are free
More info: www.battleofnantwich.org