A MAJOR battle re-enactment is planned in Blandford next summer as part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of King James I granting a Royal Charter to the town.

The English Civil War Society (ECWS) wants to stage a wide range of activities with the highlight being a 17th century re-enactment during the weekend of Friday, July 8.

Town councillors and the Charter 400 group are supporting the proposals and tomorrow are seeking permission from North Dorset District Council to hold the event at the Milldown.

In a report to the council's cabinet, policy manager for the environment Kevin Morris said members had to consider the implications of some 500 members of the English Civil War Society and spectators using the site.

Camping by ECWS members, car parking, traffic flow and damage potential in the area were issues which had to be addressed, he said. "Confirmation will also be required to ensure that any damage to the land as a result of the activities will be made good by Charter 400 or the town council," he added.

A town council spokesman said the Milldown was the most suitable site in the town for the re-enactment as other locations including Crown Meadows, Stour Meadows and Larksmead were unsuitable.

Local schools were involved in the event and had agreed to make flags relevant to the charter for a living history educational day at the Corn Exchange and town hall on Friday, July 8.

"If we cannot hold the re-enactment event on the Milldown we will lose the living history and the ECWS's involvement with the schools as a result," he added.

First published: September 29