Re-enactment group gathers for 25th anniversary

The Wimborne Militia was formed in 1999

An English Civil War re-enactment group is hosting a two-day festival in Dorset to mark its 25th anniversary.

The Wimborne Militia was founded in 1999 by re-enactment enthusiast Chris Brown.

Members will set up a living-history encampment on Saturday and Sunday showcasing historical crafts, workshops, music and performances.

The free event takes place at Lake Gates Field near Julian's Bridge, Wimborne Minster.

The re-enactment group is a familiar sight at public events

One of the group's first members was food historian Alex Compiani, who signed up after spotting Mr Brown in costume on Minster Green and approaching him for a chat.

"I found myself, a couple of weeks later, dressed in a hat and britches and firing a musket," he said.

"The militia has evolved so much since then.

"It is made up of some incredible historians and experimental archaeologists - people who are top of their game - conservators of original military items, building conservationists who know about the architecture."

Attractions at the festival include a soldiers' encampment, blacksmithing, sail making and a cannon firing display accompanied by the 1812 Overture.

Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, Mr Compiani said: "People tend to see us doing the musket firing on Minster Green but one of the things we wanted to do this week was showcase the incredible amount of historical knowledge we have.

"We are putting on a large living-history encampment where you can see the various trades and disciplines."

In 2020, Wimborne Militia hit the headlines when Facebook disabled the accounts of its members after mistaking the group for a US right-wing militia organisation.