DEMONSTRATIONS of battles from yesteryear entertained youngsters today at the Chatteris Historic Festival’s schools day.

Re-enactment groups performed and canons were used on Furrowfields Park as pupils enjoyed a taste of what’s to come tomorrow and Sunday.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the highlight of the festival with a parade leaving Church Lane at 11am and making its way to Furrowfields.

A Second World War Spitfire flypast is at 12.25pm and throughout the afternoon there will be various demonstrations by a Napoleonic group, the 95th Rifles and a display by visiting Viking and Victoria Strollers.

On Sunday there will be more re-enactment events, a puppet show, fun dog show and a demonstration from jester Devilstick Peat.

The festival is funded by Fenland District Council and Chateris Town Council, supported by a band of volunteers.

Highlights of Saturday’s programme

10.00am: Event begins

11.00: Parade leaves Church Lane

11.45: Parade judging

12.00: Napoleonic groups and cannon demonstration

12.25: Spitfire fly past

12.30: Arena events, including Peterborough Highland Band

2.00: Re-enactments, Vikings, Outlaws, Victorians

3.30: Puppet show

4.00: Arena events continue

5.00: Event closes

7.30 Chaucer production, adults only

Highlights of Sunday’s programme

10.30 United churches service

11.30: Arena re-enactment events

12.00: Devilstick Peat

1.00; Puppet show

1.00: Fun Dog Show

2.30: Arena events continue

5.00: Event closes