Roman army re-enactment event at Fishbourne Roman Palace

The event will take place at Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens over the weekend of July 30 and 31.

The sounds of swords clashing, shields banging and trumpets blaring will ring out at the palace as the Ermine Street Guard set up at camp in the grounds of the largest Roman home north of the Alps.

The leading Roman army re-enactment society will be giving displays in the palace’s formal garden, shooting artillery and providing live demonstrations of how the Roman army prepared for combat.

The event will take place at Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens over the weekend of July 30 and 31

There will also be a range of Roman-themed activities on offer throughout the weekend and visitors can explore the mosaics and recreated grounds at the country’s largest Roman home, which dates back to 75AD.

Sarah Parker, property manager at Fishbourne Roman Palace, said: “Our Roman army weekend is always popular and helps give a sense of what the palace would have felt like when the Romans were here.

“The Ermine Street Guard’s powerful displays are an exciting watch for adults and children alike. There will be plenty of fun activities throughout each day too – and even the chance to try Roman-style dishes in our café.”

Owned and cared for by the Sussex Archaeological Society, Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens was once the grandest Roman Palace in northern Europe.

Visitors will be able to stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest Roman gardens found anywhere in the country – and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the UK.

The Roman army weekend takes place from 10am to 5pm on July 30 and 31.

Pre-booking tickets online is recommended for the event to guarantee entry, with prices starting at £15 for adults and £8 for a child.

Pre-booked tickets are priced at a slightly reduced rate to those purchased on the day of the event.

Ticket information can be found on the Sussex Past website.