SWORD fights took place in Christchurch yesterday in a nod to the town’s rich smuggling history - not another falling out among the town’s burghers.

A special event looking at Christchurch’s smuggling past in the 18th century took place at the Red House Museum as part of the town’s first heritage festival.

The Watch the Wall - Smugglers Christchurch Heritage Festival has been running for the past week, with events scheduled throughout the week and over the weekend.

It will end with a grand finale re-enactment of the Battle of Mudeford this weekend.

Historical re-enactors Pike and Shot demonstrated the historic weapons and tactics used by each side in the 18th century in a make-believe battle, Contraband Clash.

Youngsters were able to engage in sword fights, using foam weapons, with demonstrations taking place throughout the day.

Families were also able to learn about black powder weapons and how firearms worked at the time.

There was a display and talk on items which were smuggled including tea, tobacco, rum and lace.

Dave Allan, director of Pike and Shot said: “It’s been a really enjoyable day. There has been a real mixture of families and visitors between the ages of five to 62.”

Last week, hundreds of schoolchildren took part in the festival launch, creating their own version of the HMS Orestes, the sloop-of-war involved in the Battle of Mudeford.

The battle will be recreated at Mudeford Quay this weekend.

And it is hoped the festival could become an annual event, focusing on different parts of the borough’s history.

The organisers include staff from Christchurch Library, the Red House Museum, the Regent Centre, Christchurch council, local historians and writers.

For more information go to Facebook, Christchurch Heritage Festival 2016 Watch the Wall Smugglers.