Roman army descends on village for festival

History-lovers took part in the festival

A recreated Roman army has marched on a quiet Cotswolds village - as part of a new festival celebrating the history of the area.

Sunday morning saw the first ever Birdlip Roman Festival transform the village, with historical costumes and displays put on show by enthusiasts.

Gloucestershire's Roman heritage was also on display, with archaeological activities put on by a number of organisations including the Museum of Gloucester and Coronium Museum.

Festivalgoer Martin Smith told the BBC he was "super excited" about the event, adding: "I like [learning about] their day-to-day life and learning how they would have lived in this landscape during the period."

Attendees Mike Garlick (left), Kate Peake and Andy Ross (right) pose in historical dress

Fellow attendee Kate Peake, who visited with her daughter and her mother Angela - who made her costume - said it was "brilliant" to have a Roman festival in the area.

"We live just down the road, we love history and we thought we'd dress up to come and visit today," she added.

People marched through the village in costumes

Re-enactment group the Ermine Street Guard took a starring role in Sunday's festival, marching through the village in authentically recreated military wear.

And they carried authentic looking shields

The area boasts a rich Roman history, with the ancient civilisation making Gloucester a key site for its empire, and many important archaeological finds have been uncovered throughout the years.

Crowds of people attended the festival on Sunday

Hundreds of people attended the festival, with a number of stalls selling local products, antiques and food also forming part of the event.

Local museums put on displays

As well as local museums putting on displays, Cotswold Archaeology and Chedworth Roman Villa were also on site with family-friendly activities.