SCOTLAND’S FESTIVAL OF HISTORY 2012 & 2013

[Montsegur]

Northern Britain’s largest multi-period re-enactment festival is coming back in 2013 bigger and better than ever – and in a new location.

For 2013 we are moving just a few miles down the road to Chatelherault – the magnificent 18thC hunting lodge of the Duke of Hamilton, who is also Duc de Châtellerault, which is an area of France just south of the Loire Valley.

The 2013 Festival will be very similar to those held over the past 10 years at Lanark, except that it will be held on the Grand Avenue of this William Adam designed house.
Views from the main house and Grand Avenue are fantastic.

Chatelherault is now a national 5* visitor attraction, set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, yet within an hour of most of Scotland’s population. It is situated just two miles from Hamilton, minutes off the M74 (J6), and is widely signed (brown tourist attraction signs) from the motorway and major roads.
From the Border at Carlisle to Chatelherault is the same distance as it was to Lanark, about 75 miles. There is also a railway station and bus stop right at the park entry.

So please keep August 17-18, 2013 in your diary.

The cancellation of the planned 2012 show was forced on us at short notice after the loss of a very small amount of sponsorship (which became very large once match funding was taken into account).

However there WILL be a show in 2012 – and at Chatelherault.

We have decided to hold a small one-day taster event there on Sunday, August 19, 2012.

This gives us the chance to iron out any site issues before 2013; lets those taking part have an idea of what the site is like (and gives us time to take on board their comments before next year); shows the Chatelherault management a small scale version of what they can expect next year, and keeps the event alive for the public.

The 2012 show will be small and so it is free entry for the public.
Anyone wishing to trade can also do so free of charge, although if they make oodles of money we’d ask that they make a contribution towards the cost of hiring in loos, etc.
Realistically we are probably looking at max 100 participants and a few thousand visitors, so this is probably not a viable trading event if you are travelling long distances!

Those interested in taking part in August’s event, either as traders, re-enactors, demonstrators, etc., should get in touch via gtopp@s-un.co.uk or via the website.

[lucy the tudor]

You can't keep a good team down!
Well done, sorry we won't be there this year, family wedding on the Saturday, and a little light trading on the way home on the Sunday, but count us in for 2013, the venue sounds verrry interesting.

[sally]

Hoping to be there for 2013, its been a show we've wanted to do

[lucy the tudor]

Sally, you will love it, last year they even gave us boxes of biscuits to generate energy for setting up camp

[KeithFarrell]

We would have been happy to bring Corsair's Wares to trade at the taster-day this year, but we are down at FightCamp that weekend!

[Lady Cecily]

Looks good for next year - but I can't manage the one day event (took the opportunity of the cancellation to extend the days off into a summer holiday)

[Dixie]

Count the Highland Company of the 95th in.

[Times Past]

We will certainly be there in 2013 and if you can stretch to two days this August also

[squamatus]

This has always been one of our favourite events! Count us in for for 2013!

[Mart]

Count us in for both and YAY we had such a brilliant time last year cant wait to get back

[Fian]

Those biscuits were very good, and one of the only shows I know of up our way that gets traders. The ceilidh and bar was responsible for a fair amount of hangovers as well. I'm not sure if I can make it this year though.

[blackstar leather]

Black Star Leather would love to be back in 2013, sadly 1 day is too far to travel from North Wales but we'll see you next year

[squamatus]

Just to confirm: There will be a contingent of Romans coming along to scout out the new venue in 2012!

[Montsegur]

At the moment we have at least 10 groups involved in the small August 19 'taster' festival - it appears to have gone from an expected small LH display to a mini SFofH.

We've already had a couple of site visits with groups, who seem totally happy with Chatelherault - even to the extent of pointing out that the issues which I had raised were totally minor.

So everything appears to be looking good for the 2012 event - and also next year's new look festival.

[Tod]

Just for info. Flodden at Etal is 3/4 August. Nigel have you got any thing a Chillingham the week after?

[Nigel]

Just for info. Flodden at Etal is 3/4 August. Nigel have you got any thing a Chillingham the week after?

Will see what can be done

[ceilteach_kitten]

Interesting to hear! I actually work at Chatelherault, as well as being a reenactor. Sadly I only knew about it from the local rag! Hey ho, found out now. Hope it goes well.

[Mart]

Ive recently got my PAK gun if you want me to bring it along (trailer permitting) she does fire too if youd like it for a firing demo