Those arriving at Stonham Barns this weekend may well have felt they were stepping back in time - as hundreds of re-enactors brought the past to life.

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

It was the fourth time the History Alive event has been held in Suffolk, with more groups taking part this year than ever before.

From the Vikings to the American Civil War, hundreds of years of culture, food and battle were on show for visitors to enjoy and learn more about.

The task has been even greater this weekend, as temperatures in Suffolk hit almost 30C.

"You just have to admire the re-enactors - one told me some of them loose half a stone in a weight over a hot weekend like this," said Gary Newland, the event manager at Stonham Barns.

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

"We've had an amazing time. The nice thing about this event is that it's been a mash-up of history.

"It's always nice to see a Viking having a chat with a Second World War re-enactor."

Mr Newland said some of the re-enactors had even provided an unusual sight for Stonham Barns' weekly car boot goers this morning, as they wandered around the neighbouring event.

Overall, Mr Newland said the weekend's event had been a great success.

East Anglian Daily Times: Matthew Hobbs enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMatthew Hobbs enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

"I was looking at children's faces and they were just immersed in it," he said. "It is a beautiful event."

East Anglian Daily Times: Lewis Nash at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNLewis Nash at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Soskan group at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSoskan group at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Simon Morse, Carol Wordley, Theresa Proctor and Clint Wordley Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNSimon Morse, Carol Wordley, Theresa Proctor and Clint Wordley Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Daniel Roth ready for battle Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNDaniel Roth ready for battle Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Leslie Bordoni playing the role of a nurse Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNLeslie Bordoni playing the role of a nurse Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Karen Cronk and Pauline Ellis in their finery Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNKaren Cronk and Pauline Ellis in their finery Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Karen Cronk and Pauline Ellis in their finery Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNKaren Cronk and Pauline Ellis in their finery Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Pauline Ellis enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPauline Ellis enjoying the day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: David Booth at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNDavid Booth at History Alive Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Tony Cullen ready for battle Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNTony Cullen ready for battle Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe past came to life at the History Alive Stonham Barns day at Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Brian Wilson on a saxon ship Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNBrian Wilson on a saxon ship Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)