The award winning event,* which takes place at the Fort in Ardersier, Inverness-shire on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August, spans over 2,000 years of history.
Over the weekend over two hundred and fifty performers will be at the Fort depicting centuries of history from the Picts, the Romans and the Vikings, through the Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation and Jacobite eras right up to World War I and II. The event days will commence with a grand parade which will begin with the Romans and conclude with World War I and World War II and features re-enactors from all over the UK.
Visitors can also enjoy colourful living history camps, watch dramatic presentations in the main arena and experience the music and dance of the 1940’s throughout both days. Crowd favourite, the WWII spitfire, will also return in a daring aerial display above the Fort on both the Saturday and the Sunday.
Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager for Historic Scotland said;
“We are delighted to be bringing Celebration of the Centuries to Fort George again this year.
“It’s a truly fantastic experience to see 2,000 years of history unfold before your eyes. You can be enjoying the 1940’s big band sounds at one minute, then turn a corner and be facing the guard of the roman empire!
“As well as the spectacular parade, living history camps and demonstrations, there are also lots of interactive activities to keep the whole family entertained.
“It’s just like having your own tardis and being able to step into the past!”
Tickets are available with a 10% discount online at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/celebration or alternatively can be purchased on the day.
* Celebration of the Centuries won the Best Cultural Event at the Highland and Islands Tourism Awards in 2012.
Notes for editors:
- Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.
- Fort George is one of Historic Scotland’s top ten most visited site annually, welcoming on average over 60,000 visitors each year who are fascinated by its blend of contemporary and historic life, being the only ancient monument in Scotland still functioning as intended – a working army barracks – but still welcoming visitors. The Highlanders Museum which operates independently within the Fort has recently been refurbished and was re-opened to the public by HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh earlier this year.
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- 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond. Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty at www.visitscotland.com/natural
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For further information
Iona Matheson
Media & PR Officer
Communications and Media
0131 668 8703 or 07827 956 858
iona.matheson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk