Watch history come to life before your eyes with our living history programme and talented performers. From medieval knights to ancient civilizations, children will be transported back in time as they witness reenactments and demonstrations of historical events and everyday life.

Experience first-hand the sights, sounds, and sensations of different historical eras with our experiences. Whether it’s exploring a World War Two trench or training like a medieval knight, there’s something for every adventurous spirit.

HahaHopscotch will be bringing all the fun of yesterday’s playtimes to the festival weekend with their historic garden games. Enjoy a forgivably nostalgic mix of all the favourites – sack races, rolling hoops, skittles, croquet, diablos and much, much more!

An old-time circus sideshow where the stars are the props and extraordinary stories. Colourful? Yes. Educational? Certainly. Rip-roaring? Absolutely!

Discover the amazing, true story of the daring British raid on Taranto harbour, based on interviews with Lieutenant Commander John Wellham D.S.C., Pilot of Swordfish E5H of 824 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm.

Dr Kate Vigurs, a captivating performer and history academic, will be joining us throughout the week to share astonishing stories from history.

Foreign Field will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War.

From Wednesday to Sunday, Rattlebox Theatre and Angel Heart Theatre will be blending puppetry, storytelling and larger-than-life characters in a performance full of wonder and delight! Suitable for everyone over 4 years.

The Time Travellers Kitchen will be visiting ancient Pompeii to explore the food and culture of the famous cosmopolitan city.

Step into our Iron Age village and meet a rural community of artisans, farmers, and dwellers. Throughout the week, our living historians will be investigating how people dressed, ate, work, played, and lived before the Romans arrived in Britain.

Led by renowned prehistory educator Sally Pointer, our team of expert archaeologists and interpreters will be returning to shed light on life from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. Discover prehistoric food, clothing, shelter, adornment, and technology from our ancient past.

Paul Bavill, Rory Ware and Kyle Glover are three hugely talented costumed historical interpreters who will be demonstrating martial skills, dark crimes and hidden heroics in a mix of history that stretches from the Middle Ages to the Second World War.

Step into a Roman military encampment and discover what it was like to be a Roman soldier, from military training and drills to Roman artillery. Legio Secunda Augusta will be shedding light on both military and civilian life, from crime and punishment to gladiator fights.

The Wimborne Militia will be transporting us back to the age of sail and exploration with its depiction of a bustling harbour town. Witness the training, discipline, speed, and accuracy required by the garrison in their extensive artillery displays, or wander through the town and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the late 17th century, with coffee houses, taverns, spice traders, armourers and live music of the period.

Without sails, history would be vastly different. Being able to travel across the sea using wind power has given rise to exploration, trading, wars and travel. Sarah Liscoe, the Historical Sailmaker, will be exploring how sails have been made through history whilst demonstrating the unique skills and knowledge of this traditional and endangered heritage craft.