BROMSGROVE’S Avoncroft Museum is set to come to life this upcoming weekend as it holds the International Living History Festival.  

On April 9 and 10 the museum will see nearly 30 re-enactment groups in and around the historic buildings representing life from the Stone Age, through the Viking era to the 1940s and beyond.

There will also be around 30 trader stalls, inside and outside, selling historically inspired artefacts from jewellery and hats to handmade tools, costumes and cloth to historic pottery.

Museum director, Zoe Willems said she is thrilled to have the International Living History Festival move its base to the Midlands.

“My vision for Avoncroft Museum is for it to be an exciting place where history comes to life," said Zoe.

“To have so many re-enactors from different periods on the same weekend will be a fantastic experience – imagine smelling the smoke rising up from an English Civil War encampment, then being invited to join a Tudor dance, before turning a corner to find a full Napoleonic artillery section drawn up by the Windmill.

“It’s accessible and fun for people of all ages and interests. And it’s amazing how much you can learn when you’re having fun!”

The International Living History Festival was previously based in Essex, where it was held successfully for several years.

Dave Allan from Pike and Shot Events, who organise the festival said: “Re-enactment and Living History is growing ever-more popular, and we had just run out of space at our previous site.

“We are excited to partner with Avoncroft Museum, which is the perfect place for multi-period re-enactment, living history and trading, with lots of open space and historic buildings from every era.”

Tickets will be available to purchase on the day or can be purchased online at a discounted rate before the weekend.