A CASTLE will resound to the sounds of battle a one of the defining military encounters in the region’s history is recreated.

Musket fire and the clash of pikes will once again be heard in Sunderland over the Bank Holiday weekend when up to 300 people dressed in Civil War costumes reenact the Battle of Hylton Castle.

The display recalls events in 1644, when 2,500 soldiers were killed as invading Scottish forces backing Parliament defeated a Royalist garrison in Sunderland.

The English Civil War Society (ECWS) will take part in the event on Sunday August 26 and Monday, setting up rival camps in the castle grounds.

The programme for both days includes a Living History Village from 11am to 4.30pm with camp followers in period costume demonstrating the crafts and cookery used preparing troops for battle.

Cavalry, infantry and artillery displays will be held from 11am to 1.45pm in uniforms and using replica weapons of the time and the Battle for Sunderland will be staged from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

With free entry, the family event organised by the Sunderland North Community Business Centre (SNCBC), also includes a funfair, stalls, face-painting and story-telling.

Funded by Sunderland City Council’s North Area Committee and organised by local Voluntary Sector Organisation Sunderland North Community Business Centre (SNCBC), the free two day event presented by the English Civil War Society will include cavalry, artillery and infantry displays, along with demonstrations of horsemanship, stunts and canon firing.

Jemma Amer, of the SNCBC said: “This will be the largest English Civil War Battle Re-enactment ever staged in the region.”

Andrew Newton, Director of the English Civil War Society said: “We feel very privileged to be able to help tell the story of Sunderland’s importance to the Parliamentarian cause during the English Civil Wars”.

“Hylton Castle will make a wonderful back-drop to our displays, and our members are looking forward to making the event a huge success, as well as highlighting the beauty of the castle.

“ I’m sure the roaring of the cannons and pounding of horses hooves, along with the colourful clash of weapons, will make ‘The Battle For Sunderland’ an August Bank Holiday to remember.”