Attraction is Wall tourists need

Jun 4 2009 by Chris Ward, The Journal

HADRIAN’S Wall has had a record number of visitors following successful events over the half-term holidays.

The Living Frontier events attracted more than 9,000 people to see armies of Romans, Vikings, Roundheads, Cavaliers and Border Reivers re-garrisoning Hadrian’s Wall.

That is about 5,000 more visitors than the same weekend last year. It is estimated that Living Frontier visitors also spent around £700,000 across Hadrian’s Wall Country over this period.

The events included a march through Carlisle by soldiers from three eras and the first full Roman century to be stationed on the Wall for more than 1600 years.

Linda Tuttiett, chief executive of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, said: “We’re really pleased by the dramatic boost to visitor numbers in the region thanks to the Living Frontier events and all our partners who helped make it such a success.

“Not only did the events draw visitors to individual sites, but they also encouraged them to explore more of Hadrian’s Wall Country and learn more about the area’s rich heritage.

“Animating Hadrian’s Wall Country in this way is one of our key priorities.” The highlight of The Living Frontier events was a 90 minute pageant at Tynedale Rugby Ground in Corbridge, where around 2,000 people participated in the spectacle.

The event brought together 500 performers and re-enactors and their frontier stories in a spectacular show of music, drama, and technical wizardry that created a journey through the mists of time to witness two battles, a wedding and a Viking funeral.

To find out more about Hadrian’s Wall Country and to view video clips of the Living Frontier events go to www.hadrians-wall.org