Wells is about to be overrun by Vikings, Romans and a court jester or two, as The Bishop's Palace prepares to launch a brand new summer event packed with live action, ancient skills and plenty of noise.

History Live! will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June, turning the entire Palace grounds into a time-travelling playground for history buffs, families and anyone who enjoys a bit of swordplay with their weekend plans.

Combat re-enactments, living history camps, hands-on demos and dramatic storytelling will take over the South Lawn, Croquet Lawn and Well Pools area – with expert groups including The Ancient Wessex Network, Draca Beordor Vikings, and Roman Ingenuity all confirmed to appear.

Adam Saunders, Visitor Experience Manager at the Palace, said: "We've so much going on that the event will take over all the grounds. I'm particularly looking forward to chatting to the experts in their camps and watching the high energy combat displays!"

The same full programme will run on both days, so visitors won't miss a thing no matter when they attend.

For those after an even bigger slice of the past, a medieval banquet will take place on the Saturday evening, complete with historic dishes, live entertainment and a traditional court jester. Tickets for the feast must be booked in advance.

The Bishop's Table café will also be open all weekend, offering modern meals and snacks for anyone not in the mood for mead and mutton.

History Live! runs from 9.30am to 5pm on both days. Tickets are on sale now.

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