Civil War 'clashes' at gala (From Craven Herald)

Barnoldswick to stage a gala weekend

3:50pm Sunday 5th September 2010 in News

“Pitch” battles will take on a whole new meaning at Barnoldswick’s Victory Park next weekend.

Cannon fire, musketry and living history will enthral crowds at Barnoldswick’s Gala Weekend, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

Hundreds of Sealed Knot re-enactment specialists are set to descend on the town and will fight two 90-minute pitched battles in the park with cannons, musketeers and pike men replacing the usual footballers, cricketers and rugby players.

And spectators will experience a slice of 17th century history in a soldier’s encampment with a gunpowder making magister, authentic cooking fires, armourers and even an army accountant.

The event will also feature a live music marquee with top bands, a tug of war competition, a park procession with “person powered” carnival carts, charity stalls, a fun fair and a duck race.

The event is being organised by Barnoldswick Town Council with support from Pendle Council and it is hoped the weekend will mark the revival of Barnoldswick’s famous gala which attracted thousands of people in its heyday.

Organisers are asking potential tug of war entrants and carnival cart creators to register by emailing david.whipp@dsl.pipex.com. Anyone wanting to run a charity stall should also get in touch.