WIMBORNE'S past will come vividly to life during a brand new festival next month.

The first-ever Wimborne History Festival is set to take place in and around the town on the weekend of July 16 and 17.

Organisers say that from fearsome battles, dramatic displays and an authentic period encampment, there will be something for everyone at the "unforgettable" event.

Roman soldiers will return to the site of their vexillation fort at Lake Gates, a key base for Vespasian and his legion, Legio II Augusta, from AD43.

Visitors will be able to meet legionaries, officers, a military doctor, a midwife, and citizens at the Roman village, faithfully recreated by renowned re-enactment group Legio Secunda Augusta.

Roman artefacts found in the area will also go on public display for the first time courtesy of the National Trust.

Re-enactors from the Ulfhedinn Vikings will also do battle, while Lord Hopton’s Regiment of Foote, part of the English Civil War Society, will be setting up camp awaiting a munitions convoy on its way from Weymouth to Oxford.

Wimborne’s own militia will be on hand to provide a peek into the 17th century with large artillery weapons demonstrations and a mustering field camp from the time of the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.

Visitors can try ancient craft activities, watch demonstrations, discover domestic life in the period encampments from the Bronze and Iron Age through to the 17th century, test their battle skills and enjoy storytelling and bygone music.

In the town centre, visitors can enjoy a one-woman performance of the Sixth Wife, which explores the life and times of Katherine Parr, listen to talks and participate in guided walks.

A working scale model of Wimborne’s former railway system will also be on display alongside authentic crime and punishment equipment, due to be set up in the Cornmarket.

Rachel Limb, who is helping to coordinate the event, said: "With activities and entertainment for all ages, and free admission for children up to 17 years old, the festival offers an amazing, enthralling family day out."

Wimborne History Festival is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, local councils and Wimborne Business Improvement District.

For more information, visit wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk

Festival programmes and tickets for the Lake Gates festival site are available from Wimborne Tourist Information Centre.

Advanced tickets for adults are £12 or £14 at the gate or £10 in advance and £12 on the gate for those 65 and over, students with an NUS/ISIC card and registered disabled.

Entry is free for children up to and including 17-years-old when they are accompanied by an adult.