THE streets of Coleford will soon be echoing to the sound of musket and canon fire.

On Saturday February 18 members of the Sealed Knot, the largest historic battle re-enactment group in Europe and an educational charity, will be returning to Coleford.

They will form lines to commemorate the Battle of Coleford of February 20, 1643 when the people of Coleford, numbering no more than 500, were confronted by an enemy Royalist force of approximately 2,000.

Musketeers, pikemen, officers and drums and colours will form up in the Market Place at 2.30pm for a memorial service in honour of those who fell during the conflict. They will be joined by the mayor of Coleford and other dignitaries and it is hoped that members of the public will also join in the event.

After the memorial service there will be a display of arms during which the soldiers will demonstrate the use of muskets and pikes.