CHATTERIS will take a step back in time for its historic medieval festival.

The town will become a sea of knights and vikings as residents take part in displays, re-enactments and parades designed to hark back to the middle ages.

For one weekend only, people will able to learn about their ancestors’ heritage and find out what it was like to live hundreds of years ago.

Today’s cars, television sets, electrical lights and warm heating will be temporarily forgotten as residents are shown a life of battle and warfare that is worlds apart from the modern era.

The big event will start with a historic parade through Chatteris town centre.

It will leave the Church Lane car park at noon on Saturday (June 26) and go through Market Hill, High Street and Furrowfields on its way to the events field.

Throughout the afternoon there will be a series of re-enactments and displays including a Viking show, a mock battle and swords of chivalry.

The displays will continue on Sunday (June 27) as the Peterborough Highland Band puts on a series of stunning performances.

Cream teas will be available in Furrowfields between 2pm and 4pm on the final day and there is also a fun dog show to round off the event.

However if none of that takes your fancy you can try have-a-go archery, medieval cooking, candle making and mosaic making at the numerous stalls available.

People can also enjoy talks on arms and armour as well as life and fashion. In addition there will be a craft fayre in the marquee.

Elsewhere in the town there will be a coffee morning at St Peter and Paul Church and exhibitions at Chatteris Library.

Schools will also get in on the act, with talks and demonstrations aimed especially at the younger age group.