.png)
Date published: Thursday 20 July 2023
In just over a month’s time Colchester City Council and the English Civil War will be staging a weekend of free entertainment displays and living history to commemorate the 73-day Siege of Colchester that took place in 1648 during the English Civil War.
The weekend event taking place from the 19-20 August will be free for all to attend and is part of Colchester City Council’s Year of Celebration to mark its new city status.
Both days have a packed programme of events and displays taking place in Castle Park and in around the centre of Colchester, highlighting areas of the city centre where key events during the Siege took place. By commemorating and remembering this pivotal event in both Colchester and the nation’s history with events like this, the stories and sacrifices of those that lost their lives during the English Civil War can be remembered and passed down to future generations.
You can expect to discover the smells and sounds of living history encampments populated with artisans, townspeople and traders plying their wares. There will also be opportunities to meet Civil War soldiers and learn more about the weapons and artillery that they would have used back in 1648 plus much more! History will come to life and 1648 will be brought into 2023 with a canon fired bang!
Councillor Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “This is going be one of the biggest events of its kind to ever take place in Colchester. The spectacular will be run by over 500 re-enactors from the English Civil War Society, each bringing a part of 1648 to life. The event promises to be spectacular and continues our year of celebration by celebrating our rich heritage.”
David Molloy, English Civil War Society (ECWS): “The siege was a pivotal moment in Colchester’s history, and we are delighted to be bringing the 17th century to 2023 Colchester this August.”
Visitors and residents wanting to find out more about the Siege are encouraged to head to Colchester Castle to view the Castle’s temporary display, Under Siege, showcasing objects from the museum's collection.
For more details and full itinerary of the weekend’s events please head to Colchester Siege Spectacular - Historical Event in Colchester, Colchester - Visit Colchester
In just over a month’s time Colchester City Council and the English Civil War will be staging a weekend of free entertainment displays and living history to commemorate the 73-day Siege of Colchester that took place in 1648 during the English Civil War.
The weekend event taking place from the 19-20 August will be free for all to attend and is part of Colchester City Council’s Year of Celebration to mark its new city status.
Both days have a packed programme of events and displays taking place in Castle Park and in around the centre of Colchester, highlighting areas of the city centre where key events during the Siege took place. By commemorating and remembering this pivotal event in both Colchester and the nation’s history with events like this, the stories and sacrifices of those that lost their lives during the English Civil War can be remembered and passed down to future generations.
You can expect to discover the smells and sounds of living history encampments populated with artisans, townspeople and traders plying their wares. There will also be opportunities to meet Civil War soldiers and learn more about the weapons and artillery that they would have used back in 1648 plus much more! History will come to life and 1648 will be brought into 2023 with a canon fired bang!
Councillor Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “This is going be one of the biggest events of its kind to ever take place in Colchester. The spectacular will be run by over 500 re-enactors from the English Civil War Society, each bringing a part of 1648 to life. The event promises to be spectacular and continues our year of celebration by celebrating our rich heritage.”
David Molloy, English Civil War Society (ECWS): “The siege was a pivotal moment in Colchester’s history, and we are delighted to be bringing the 17th century to 2023 Colchester this August.”
Visitors and residents wanting to find out more about the Siege are encouraged to head to Colchester Castle to view the Castle’s temporary display, Under Siege, showcasing objects from the museum's collection.
For more details and full itinerary of the weekend’s events please head to Colchester Siege Spectacular - Historical Event in Colchester, Colchester - Visit Colchester
Page last reviewed: 20 July 2023