Avoncroft Museum will come to life as over 40 of the best in Living History re-enactment groups will set up camps in and around the historic buildings for this year's The International Living History Festival.

Taking place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April, visitors will journey through time from the Stone Age, through the Viking era, Medieval, Tudor right the way through to the 1940’s and beyond.

The festival is back for its second year at its new home and is set to have lots of hands-on activities as well as historic displays, the historically themed market, and some of the world’s finest living history reenactors.

Museum Director, Zoe Willems said; “This is history you can touch, smell, feel and even taste! The re-enactors are all passionate about their period, and look forward to displaying and engaging with visitors throughout the weekend. Join in, browse, or just soak up the atmosphere – it’s going to be a great and memorable weekend!”

Dave Allan from Pike and Shot Events has organised the festival and seen it grow over a number of years, including last years’ move from Essex to the Midlands; “This years’ event at Avoncroft Museum is bigger and better than last years, we now have a waiting list of the top re-enactment and living history groups who want to come and showcase their work.

It’s the perfect place for multi-period re-enactment, living history and trading, not only because of the beautiful and historic surroundings, but it’s so easy to reach in the heart of England, with such fantastic motorway access off the M5 and M42. This is quickly becoming the ‘must attend’ start of season event.”

New for 2023 is a large contingent of American Civil War re-enactors from the American Civil War Society, the Southern Skirmish Association (SoSkAn) and the 24th Virginia Regiment, who will be taking over the Orchard at the Museum.

Food and drink will also be available for sale from street food vendors, historic purveyors and from Avoncroft’s own tea rooms.

Trains will be running on the model railway from 11am to 3pm on both days, thanks to the Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers, for just £1 a ride.

Discounted Advanced tickets are available to buy now from avoncroft.org.uk.