Carrickfergus prepares for siege as part of spectacular history re-enactment

The re-enactment of Schomberg’s Siege of Carrickfergus will take place on Bank Holiday Monday at Castle Green.

The free event, organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, will include re-enactment groups from across the United Kingdom, all dressed in period costume, followed by a pageantry parade to meet King William at the pier.

As well as the live cannon and musket firing, residents and visitors will be able to visit the military encampments making the Siege an event not to be missed.

Council has added in something to keep all the family entertained this year with traditional craft demonstrations, falconry display and a vintage market.

Furthermore little ones will enjoy craft activities, balloon modelling, face painting, a dinosaur walkabout character and a pop up cinema showing “Brave”.

All spectators can travel “back in time” and witness Carrickfergus Castle under siege by King William III’s forces, led by the Duke of Schomberg against the Jacobite Irish commanding forces that took place in 1689, ahead of King William’s arrival nearly a year later.

This annual event marks an important milestone in the history of both the castle and the town.

It provides families and visitors alike with a taste of these significant historical events, which took place here.

All activities will take place between noon and 4pmon August 26.