Sealed Knot Ready To Do Battle On Weston Seafront

The seafront at Weston-super-Mare will be transformed this weekend as a battle gets underway.

The massed Royalists and Parliamentarians of the Sealed Knot will be doing battle on the seafront on August 8 and 9.

There will be a grand parade through the town at lunchtime on both days, finishing on the beach at Royal Sands for a battle at 2.30pm.

Organiser Richard Pearce of the Sealed Knot, said: "We are looking forward to staging the most spectacular Civil War re-enactment of the year here in Weston-super-Mare."

The event is funded by the Find Your Talent North Somerset Pathfinder and members of the Sealed Knot will wear authentic costumes.

They will portray life of the period within a baggage camp at the time of the English Civil War down to the finest detail.

The purpose of the 17th century camp is to educate and inform the visiting public about various aspects of the period.

The weekend camp will be sited on the Beach Lawns from August 7, preparing for the conflict.

On this day, children and young people, accompanied by a parent/guardian, can have a free preview of the camp between 11am and 3pm.

Inside there will be soldiers, tradesmen and women from the 17th century plying their trades.

Also on the lawns will be drill displays from 10.30am-5pm.

The major battle site will be situated on the beach between Royal Sands and Uphill, and the site will be open between 1pm and 5pm on both days.

Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council's executive member for tourism, said: "We welcome the Sealed Knot back to what promises to be an exciting weekend for both the society, local community and visitors alike."

Entry is by ticket only costing £5 for adults, £3 for children under 16 and £12 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).

Parking is available at Uphill and Royal Sands beach car parks, and for visitors to the event all-day parking is £3.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, from the Tourist Information Centre or via the ticket hotline, 01934 888 800.