HISTORY COMES ALIVE!
RE-ENACTMENT GROUP AHEAD OF
IN VISIT TO VILLAGE SUMMER FESTIVAL
TUDOR re-enactors have taken a tour of historic homes in Desford as part of the build-up to a heritage weekend in the summer.
Members of Gloriana Historic Dance and Living History got into costume to promote the village-wide event, which will take place on the first weekend in July.
It will see the village – just a few miles from the Battle of Bosworth, where the Tudor dynasty began – divided into different time zones, from the medieval era to the world wars.
Residents and visitors will be transported back by re-enactors, musicians, actors and entertainers – and have a chance to experience what Desford might have been like in history.
There will be everything from medieval sword fighting to a Victorian school room, with the village alive with the sights, smells and sounds of each unique time period.
The Saturday night will see a 1940s night take place at The Caterpillar Sports and Social Club, recreating Hits of the Blitz from Vera Lynn tribute act Jill Daniels.
The festival will also officially launch a new heritage trail around the village, with 16 information boards showcasing aspects of Desford’s history.
The weekend is a joint initiative by Desford & District Local History Society and Desford in Bloom, and has taken almost five years to get off the ground, from funding to fruition.
Villager Kate Twitchin – a member of the history society who runs heritage tours around the village – came up with the idea for a festival weekend.
She said: “I have lived in the village most of my life and having the opportunity to share its history has been a privilege.
“We are so lucky to live in a place where its origins stretch so far back in time. That deserves to be celebrated and preserved.
“The festival will provide the perfect opportunity to unveil the trail to the public and to put on the biggest celebration of Desford’s history that it has ever seen.”
Dozens of community groups, including the parish council, churches, schools, pubs, shops and businesses will be involved.
Pat Crane, a Desford Parish Councillor
and a member of Desford in Bloom, said: “Desford has had many new residents during the pandemic who have not been able to experience what our village has to offer.
“This is a unique opportunity to do just that – showcasing all community groups and celebrating residents’ shared heritage.”
■ Further details about the festival and the heritage trail can be found at: