Families are invited to relive 2,000 years in just two days at Stowmarket’s Museum of East Anglian Life this weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: English Civil War re-enactors Sealed Knot head to the Museum of East Anglian Life's living history event. Photo: John BeardsworthEnglish Civil War re-enactors Sealed Knot head to the Museum of East Anglian Life's living history event. Photo: John Beardsworth (Image: ©2011 John Beardsworth)

It’s hosting its first-ever East Anglian Living History Fayre today and Sunday, putting you at the centre of the action via interactive demonstrations.

Beware of the military might of the Romans and rampaging vikings. March with the army of Edward III on their campaign to France in the Hundred Years War. Hold cities and hearts to ransom with have-a-go siege artillery and jousting. Pick your side as the Civil War rages all around you, shelter from cannon fire in Napoleonic conflict and hunker down in the trench warfare of both world wars.

Hold fire. It’s not all shouting, war and weapons. You can visit terrible Tudor doctors or titillate your taste-buds with some early medieval cooking. Why not party like it’s 1599 with the Colchester Waits, pit your wits against ne’er-do-wells and smugglers and be amazed by birds, bards and storytellers.

You can even stroll through a bustling market place or take time out with the Tin Tabernacle Talks delving into haunted East Anglia, the historic livelihoods of women and the work that goes into bringing history alive.

“We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting ways for visitors to discover the stories of history. Many of them have asked for living history so we’ve listened,” says collections manager Lisa Harris.

“We’ll be filling our 75-acre site with passionate re-enactors who will help you to experience history firsthand. Have a go at object handling or trying on costumes, watch fascinating demonstrations and ask questions of our experts as they live the past in the present.“

Set to become a regular date on the museum’s event calendar, the East Anglian Living History Fayre is run in conjunction with re-enactment specialists Black Knight Historical.

A family-friendly event, there’s loads of activities for you to get involved. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am–4.30pm and Sundays 11am– 4.30pm every week.