ACWS INTERNATIONAL EVENT
American Civil War Battle Spectacular
And
Victorian Steam Fair
Weston Park, Telford, Shropshire
July 26-27th 2003 (Saturday and Sunday)
An exciting and dramatic event to accurately recreate life in the 1860’s on both sides of the Atlantic. The Armies of the American Civil War were formed mainly from English speaking men, many first or second-generation immigrants from Britain and Europe.
There are many links between the Britain and the young United States of America. Trade between our countries was strong, especially in cotton and other raw materials and Britain was the workshop of the world exporting everything from nails to locomotives. The Industrial Midlands played a prominent role.
The American Civil War was the first post-industrial war and technology was surprisingly advanced. The Railroad and the Telegraph had become part of life and Steam Ships such as the SS Great Britain plied the Atlantic carrying manufactured goods, passengers and raw materials. The Lancashire Cotton Workers experienced great hardship during the war and many in Britain starved and lost fortunes.
The Confederate Navy had its warships built on Merseyside including the famous Alabama, later sunk off Cherbourg. The British Government stayed neutral but sent Army observers to both sides along with the French and Prussians.
The war had many "firsts" including the first use of machine guns, repeating rifles, trench warfare, torpedoes, telegraphy, balloons, railways and photography.
We are aiming to recreate life in the 1860’s during the event to depict both Britain and America. Our partners for this event will include Museums, Press and Local Radio and TV. During the day we will recreate the atmosphere of a Victorian Bank Holiday, with Brass Bands and a period Steam Fair with attractions such as, a big wheel, steam gallopers, swinging boats, and all the fun of a Victorian Fair. A variety of actors will stroll amongst the crowds, interacting and behaving "in character". An action packed Arena programme will provide entertainment for all ages between 10 am and 2 pm. With street entertainers, children’s games, folk music and dancing and equestrian and military displays.
Queen Victoria and President Lincoln will be in attendance.
In the afternoon the mood will darken as war clouds gather and the Armies of the Union and the Confederacy march to war - to "see the Elephant!" At 3pm the battle will commence with hundreds of re-enactors depicting the battle of Malvern Hill.
Cavalry Horses, Massed Cannons and hundreds of infantry will provide a spectacle to rival anything seen in the UK as they fight to defend God and Country.
All of the attractions will have a 19th Century Feel and will include
- Brass Bands and other period music
- Full Arena Programme (10:00 - 14:00)
- Live Radio Broadcasts
- Carriage and Pony Rides
- Victorian Re-enactors
- Period Fair (Steam Rides, Helter Skelter, Swinging Boats etc)
- Antiques Fair (Victoriana and Militaria)
- Caravan Rally
- Street Entertainers (Jugglers, Fire Eaters, Sword Swallower etc)
- Period Food and Themed Bars
- American and British Living History
- Historical Information Centre
- Period Photographer
- A Re-enactment, of the Battle of Malvern Hill, with Cannons, Infantry and Cavalry.
- Various Cameos,
including Weddings, Speeches, Surgery, Cooking, and Camp Life etc.
- VIP and Hospitality facilities
Please note this programme is subject to change.
All set in 6000 acres of glorious Weston Park
Tickets and Advance Booking
Tickets for this event are on sale through Midland Box Office from 1st March 2003.
Admission to this event will be limited to ACWS members (and their invited guests) or ticket holders (advance or on the gate). ACWS Members and Invited Guests will require their Membership Card to get through the gate. An ACWS member must accompany guests who are not members of invited societies or groups.
Advance Tickets will be cheaper than tickets on the day.
There will be a Caravan and Camping Rally at Weston Park, and tickets for this are also available in advance through Midland Box Office.
The Midland Box Office Ticket Hotline is 01902-552121.
Tickets at the gate are £8.00 for Adults, and there is no charge for Children under 16 .
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