The UK reenactment calendar runs from Easter to October, with major events each weekend across the country. Here is a working guide.
Quick answer. The main UK reenactment season runs from April to October, with weekly events across every era. Key annual fixtures include: Easter at Kirby Hall and Rockingham Castle, May at Dover Castle and Waterloo related events, June at the Battle Proms at Blenheim, July at Tatton Park and various battle commemorations, August at the Military Odyssey at Detling, September at the Battle of Marston Moor and the Jane Austen Festival. English Heritage runs scores of smaller events throughout the summer.
Spring (April to May)
The season opens at Easter with large multi era events at Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire and Rockingham Castle. English Heritage's annual event calendar begins in April. Edgehill battle commemoration (ECW) is in late October (not spring), but Civil War events at other sites fill the earlier months. The 95th Rifles and other Napoleonic groups hold training weekends from April onwards. Weather can be variable; expect rain and cold at Easter events.
Early summer (June)
June brings the Battle Proms concert at Blenheim Palace, with cavalry displays, cannon fire and musical performance. Waterloo related events are held around 18 June (the anniversary) at various sites including Dover Castle and Horse Guards. The Rising Sun festival at Kelmarsh Hall features English Civil War. Many smaller events at National Trust properties begin running weekly displays. The weather is usually at its best during June.
Mid summer (July)
July is the busiest month. The Chalke Valley History Festival in Wiltshire features reenactors across all eras. Tatton Park Living History Festival in Cheshire covers the 20th century particularly. Major battle commemorations include the Battle of the Boyne (1 July) events, and the Battle of the Somme centenary events (commemorated 1 July). Smaller events at English Heritage sites across the country fill most weekends. Many reenactors camp for a week in July, moving between adjacent events.
Late summer (August)
The Military Odyssey at Detling Showground in Kent is the single largest multi era reenactor event in the UK. Thousands of reenactors across every era converge for the August bank holiday weekend. Vikings fight Normans, Romans march alongside Napoleonic infantry, Civil War cavalry charge Victorian redcoats. The event runs living history, battle displays, and parades across three days. For a first time visitor, Military Odyssey is an unmatched introduction to the hobby.
Autumn (September to October)
September brings the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, with Regency balls, promenades and themed events over ten days. The Battle of Marston Moor commemoration (ECW) is in July actually, but various ECW events run through September. October brings the Battle of Edgehill commemoration (early October) and the Hastings reenactment (14 October anniversary). The season closes at the end of October, with winter indoor events and training weekends taking over.
Attending events as a visitor
Most events are open to the public with modest entry fees (10 to 25 pounds). Visitors can watch displays, examine living history camps, and talk to reenactors. The reenactors are usually happy to explain their kit and answer questions. Dress comfortably (English weather is unpredictable), bring sunscreen and water, and expect to spend half a day minimum at a major event. The Military Odyssey in particular needs a full day to see properly.
Common questions
What is the biggest UK reenactment event?
Military Odyssey at Detling Showground in Kent, August bank holiday weekend. Thousands of reenactors across every era.
Are events open to the public?
Yes, most public events have modest entry fees and welcome visitors.
When is the Jane Austen Festival?
September each year, in Bath, usually across ten days around the second weekend.
Can I camp at events?
Reenactors camp on site; the public usually cannot. Modern campsites and B and Bs near events offer accommodation.
Where do I find event listings?
The English Heritage website, the Reenactors Reunited website, and specific society websites all list events. Facebook event pages are also useful.