Carnival of History at Leeds Castle in Maidstone on July 27 and 28

A dazzling riot of colour is promised at the Carnival of History which rolls in for a two-day celebration next weekend.

The event is being held as part of Leeds Castle's 900 birthday celebrations.

It will include authentic re-enactment shows, pop-up music performances, large scale costumes and lots of celebration and takes place on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

Historical arena shows will re-create significant moments from the last nine centuries of Leeds Castle’s history while carnival performers and costumed characters will roam the grounds interacting with visitors. Living History encampments promise to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the past.

With a timetable of activities across both days, there will be something for everyone during carnival weekend.

On Saturday, bows will be shot, swords will clash and cannons will be fired!

Lookout for the soldiers of the Fourth Crusade going into battle on horseback with the colourful Byzantine opponents and see King Henry VIII inspect his splendid troops before departing to France for Field of the Cloth of Gold.

Cheer your favourite knight as King Henry V’s knights in armour compete for honour and glory as they fight with swords and axes!

During the afternoon, the dashing mounted cavaliers of doomed King Charles will take on the might of General Fairfax’s new model army in a civil war skirmish from the 17th Century.

Onlookers can also watch on as a historical parade goes past in the afternoon with re-enactors and performers from the early years of the castle’s history through to the 20th century.

The carnival atmosphere continues on Sunday with another action packed day.

Visitors can relive all the excitement of the previous day before festivities conclude at 3pm with a magnificent grand finale procession.

A whopping 1,000 performers, re-enactors, community groups and schools are set to take part.

With a roll of drums and a fanfare, the carnival groups representing each century of history will wind their way around the estate before processing into the arena on the Cedar Lawn in a spectacular procession never before seen at Leeds Castle.

This event is included in the price of admission while tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

For more information about Carnival of History at Leeds Castle, visit the official website by clicking here.