THE first ‘multi-period’ military festival went off with a bang at one of Weymouth’s main tourist attractions.

Around 1,000 people enjoyed the two-day event at the Nothe Fort, which is the first event of its kind in the history of the award-winning attraction.

Adults and children enjoyed performances from re-enactment groups including the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers, the Fort Cumberland Guard and the Royal Sussex Living History Group.

Nothe Fort events team leader Jane Chandler said the ‘crowning glory’ of the festival was the Ceremony of the Keys, which took place in the fort arena on Sunday afternoon.

She added: “Overall, it was a very good weekend.

“Adults, children and families of all ages poured in through the entrance of the Nothe Fort at 10am and were queuing up outside beforehand.

“We were blessed with exceedingly good weather on both Saturday and Sunday and people managed to drag themselves off Weymouth beach for the festival.”

Families also had the opportunity to experience live firing displays with cannons, muskets and rifles being fired from the fort and entertainment from Trafalgar Drummer Paul Early, the fort’s Victorian Artillery Volunteers, the Fort Cumberland Guard and Portland Sea Cadets.

She added: “All the young people who took part in the Portland Sea Cadets band were absolutely brilliant.

“We’ve got lots of events already planned for next year and are planning an event for the forthcoming October half-term.”

For more information on future events at the Nothe Fort, visit the Nothe Fort website, www.nothefort.org.uk