A LIVING history event in Weymouth will mark the 370th anniversary of a local battle that caused the deaths of around 500 people.

The Crabchurch Conspiracy Commemoration Weekend will take place in February, marking the Battle of Weymouth, one of the most important actions of the English Civil War.

The commemoration weekend, now in its 21st year, will include a number of activities to bring history back to life. The event is Co-organised by Steve Booth and Mark Vine.

Mr Vine said it was an important part of Weymouth’s history and encouraged everyone to come along.

He said: “It’s your history, it’s there to be discovered and it’s all free.”

He added that on the night of the battle the Roundheads were outnumbered six-to-one and it was an ‘amazing feat’ they managed to win.

Mr Vine added: “Had the Royalists won, there were plans to land a huge Catholic French army in Weymouth to help them win the war.”

England’s foremost Celtic Rock band The Dolmen will return once again to perform on stage at Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday, February 28.

They will be joined by TV historian and academic Professor Ronald Hutton, who will be accompanying the band in narrating ‘The Crabchurch Conspiracy’ album.

Complimenting Professor Hutton will be As-One Theatre Company’s artistic director Jane McKell. Before the concert, Professor Hutton will be giving a talk on Oliver Cromwell.

Also appearing on stage will be Cap’n Steve Howl, who will be taking part in Professor Hutton’s narration and sea shanty group Dorset Wrecks.

Tickets are now on sale for the event priced at £10. The Dolmen Grove’s Diane Narraway will be the compère for the evening.

The weekend launches on the morning of Saturday, February 28, and will see actors taking part in re-enactments around the town where Crabchurch Conspirators will be hunted down and ‘arrested’ by armed troops.

On Sunday, March 1, conspirators will be brought to trial at Weymouth Old Town Hall from 11am.

These conspirators will be ‘tried and punished’ for their treachery in betraying the town in a reconstruction of the actual trial.

This will be followed by a solemn wreath-laying to pay respects to the dead of both sides at various pertinent sites throughout Weymouth.

All re-enactments are free and proceeds from The Dolmen concert will go to the Weymouth Old Town Hall Refurbishment Fund.

Tickets can be bought online at www.weymouthpavilion.com/page24.html or from the Pavilion ticket office.