28-31 May 2009: The Living Frontier in Carlisle’s Historic Quarter

See Carlisle’s unique story and 2000 year history come to life through thrilling events and activities in its Historic Quarter.

Hadrian’s Wall comes alive with hundreds of Romans, Vikings, Roundheads, Cavaliers and Border Reivers in the Living Frontier. Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd is managing festival as part of culture10’s programme of world class events for North East England and has been able to extend the programme westwards into Cumbria through the support of Carlisle Renaissance.

The series of events sees re-enactors representing key aspects of Carlisle’s unique heritage converging on the city. Romans, Vikings, Cavaliers and Roundheads join children in historic costume outside the Guildhall to hear ‘Emperor Hadrian‘ officially launch the Living Frontier events in Carlisle’s Historic Quarter. An 8 foot tall Queen Elizabeth l and Pompous Maximus along with their sidekicks Sir Walter Raleigh and Servillious Wretch will keep visitors entertained. Carlisle Castle plays host to a scene from the Civil War, with soldiers drilling in readiness for an attack, cooks preparing meagre rations and the city’s craftsmen working tirelessly to keep the army going. Learn about life on the march, try some recipes and maybe even take ‘the King’s Shilling’, and see townsfolk seek shelter within the massive Castle walls,  using the skills and crafts needed for day to day survival 350 years ago.

Find out more at www.livingfrontier.com/carlisle-historic-quarter