Frontier to come alive

Apr 8 2009 by Neil Carney, The Journal

THE ancient frontier of Hadrians Wall will once again come alive in 2009 through a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. You are invited!

From May 28-30 The Living Frontier will see dramatic re-enactments which bring the frontier story to life all along the Wall, with a living cast of Romans, Vikings, Border Reivers, Civil War troopers and modern soldiers.

A full Roman Century is heading for Hadrians Wall. Under the guidance of the internationally renowned Ermine Street Guard, the Century will be formed of members from all over Europe, a reminder of the multi-cultural make-up of the early Roman armies.

Northumberlands key Roman sites along Hadrians Wall will be used as venues for the re-enactors displays and performances. The culmination event will take the form of a theatrical pageant on the evening of Saturday, May 30, in historic Corbridge.

But The Living Frontier is more than just the story of the creation of the Wall in its Roman hey-day.

All year round it is one of Britains most visited attractions, with epic landscapes, excellent value, great quality accommodation, enticing towns and villages, excellent arts and crafts and mouth-watering local produce.

However, this has not always been the case. Waves of intermittent factions staked their claim over the disputed lands in which the Wall has its roots.

The Wall was initially less a means of keeping tribes out, and more a way of controlling and policing trading activity. Following the Roman withdrawal, Viking invasions occurred, and then a succession of conflicts took place along the Wall for centuries afterwards.

The Living Frontier events will showcase Viking re-enactments at Segedunum Fort, the Border Reivers will ride again at Birdoswald and the Civil War will burst out at Carlisle Castle in the west, courtesy of the celebrated Sealed Knot. However, Northumberland will host some of the most dramatic and eye catching displays.

At Chesters, a prime example of a Roman Cavalry fort, visitors will be able to see equestrian and falconry displays.

The culmination of all of these activities though will be the historically linked and narratively themed pageant set against an early evening dusk on May 30. Tickets will be on sale from Hadrians-wall.org from mid April.

For further information and tickets, visit www.livingfrontier.com , or call the Hadrians Wall information Line on (01434) 322002.

Neil Carney is marketing manager with Hadrians Wall Heritage

:: Click here for more Northumberland attractions