A FESTIVAL celebrating Colchester’s remarkable links with the Romans is set to be held in Castle Park.

Colchester’s first Roman Festival will be held within the heart of Rome’s British capital, in the grounds of the Temple of Claudius.

The temple was famously sacked and burned by Queen Boudica in AD 60/61.

Hosted in Lower Castle Park, the festival will celebrate the rich history of the city once known as Camulodunum.

It will be brought to life by two of Britain’s top re-enactment groups, The Vicus and Britannia, amongst a host of other contributors.

Visitors will be able to watch battles between Roman soldiers and tribes, gladiatorial displays, archery, falconry and other arts of war.

There will also be authentic cooking, craft, traders, artisans, educators and entertainers filling out a Romano-British market.

There is also a programme of talks, panel discussions and workshops held within the Libri and Verba Tent.

Several major authors who set their work in the Roman world will be signing their books.

Don Quinn, director of Food and Drink Festivals UK Ltd, said: “Apart from a whole array of 'living history' – including fighting gladiators, marching Praetorian Guard, there will be amazing birds of prey, a whole tent full of authors who write about Rome, displays from the Archaeological Trust and some excellent exhibits from Colchester Castle Museum.

“Of course there's also Roman food and honeyed wine and a Roman two-seater 'marching' latrine.”

Children enter free to the festival, while tickets for adults are priced at £5, available on the door.

Mr Quinn said the festival will also feature a meeting between two Sergeant Majors from entirely different eras.

Paratrooper Warrant Officer Andy Lamont, Garrison Sergeant Major, and Marcus Flavius Albinus, Roman Octio in the Praetorian Guard, will meet face to face.

They will compare their lives and answer questions.

The festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm.

Tickets are also available from foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.