Milton Keynes Museum History Festival

Milton Keynes Museum takes history off the page and brings it to life with the return of its popular history festival this May.

The fascinating, family-friendly event promises to be a colourful, lively, engaging weekend walking you through the past and letting you get closer to our ancestors who were living, working, fighting and playing during key periods in this area's history.

From the Roman period through to the early 20th century, re-enactors will be giving an insight into how life used to be in the place that is now a bustling new city.

The Vicus Romans will visit, and there will even be the opportunity to buy authentic Roman goods from a trader.

You can meet the Chanz des Reis, who will take you back to civilian, military and religious life in the High Medieval age – from the reign of King William the Conqueror to King Henry III.

Robartes Regiment Sealed Knot will lead you into the 17th century, the War of the Roses is represented by the English Free Companye, and the Redcoats and Revolutionaries – or Reds and Revs to their friends – look dashing in their regimental coats, explaining military life in the 1800s.

The re-enactors will be entertaining across the site all weekend, and taking turns to give demonstrations in the ever popular arena, which will include musket and cannon displays - and they come with added bang!

If you step off the beaten track while on your visit to the Museum, keep your wits about you – Highwaymen will be looking for easy targets to strip of their cash and riches. You've been warned!

The not-too-distant history gets a look in, with banner waving suffragettes fighting for the right to vote – the martial arts and demos from the Enfield Reenactment Society thrilled visitors last year, and are sure to do the same this time around.

The Museum's usual attractions will be open; you will be able to enjoy parlour games, browse the street of shops, discover more about the history of communication and transport, and the newly opened Ancient Gallery – home to the oldest resident of Milton Keynes, is a must-see.

If hunger bites, bite back with a visit to the Granary Tea Room with its affordable, tempting variety of hot and cold sandwiches and sweet treats, and the best cakes for miles around.

Pay once and visit for FREE as often as you like for the following 12 months!