CANNONS will roar and muskets will crack at an autumn historical re-enactment spectacular at Chepstow to rival the 60,000-visitor Kirby Hall event in the North of England.
Civil War enthusiasts Nadine and Philip Carr of Blakeney, well-known for their involvement in the famous Chepstowe Garrison, have teamed up with fellow history fan Bill Walton to organise the two-day show in Piercefield Park, beside the racecourse.
"We are hoping to make it an annual event," said Nadine Carr, who wanted to stress that although the show would involve Garrison people it was being organised privately by the trio.
They had overcome local worries about traffic and policing and were confident the show would now go ahead.
"We are not doing it to make a lot of money for ourselves – any profits are going to be divided equally among everyone taking part. That way everyone will have the incentive to do a good job and make the event a success," she said.
The biggest event held by the Garrison last summer involved more than 150 people in the reenactments but this time they would be "looking at hundreds".
This would make for a truly spectacular event that would be memorable.
"There is nothing like this in the southern half of England – people have to go a long way to see such a show," she said.
The aim was to create a whole day's entertainment for the visitors, and as well there would be on site catering, toilet facilities and traders who would be glad to show visitors pieces of historic gear and tell how they were made.
She said they already had many signed up for the show but would like to hear from other historic re-enactment groups, especially the smaller ones including items like Morris dancers.
The event, called Boom Boom Boom and a Turnip, 2000, will offer two days of exciting full-costume battles and replays of historical events on Saturday and Sunday September 1 and 2.