ANGLO-Saxon re-enactors will be giving people a chance to sample what life was life more than 1,000 years ago.

Durham Cathedral is hosting the family fun day on Saturday as part of its new exhibition about the Treasures of Saint Cuthbert.

Among the activities will be demonstrations of the skills and pastimes of traders, raiders and craftspeople during the time of St Cuthbert.

There will also be a chance to play Anglo-Saxon games, paint using natural pigments and prepare for a battle against Viking and Pict raiders.

Charlotte Rowbotham, head of education at Durham Cathedral, said: “This is the perfect hands-on event to bring a fascinating period of our history to light and it brings our magnificent artefacts in The Treasures of St Cuthbert exhibition to life.”

Visitors can also find out how the Saxons navigated to Britain, marvel at a 10m long ship, and find out about their advanced net-making and fishing skills.

There will also be the opportunity to find out about early settlements in Durham with demonstrations of building crafts and architectural techniques and experience the everyday life of famous historical figures such as St Cuthbert, Bede, and the ordinary people of Northumbria.

The Anglo-Saxon weekend takes place tomorrow, from 10.30am to 4pm, and on Sunday from 12.30pm to 4pm.

The event is free and open to all, although there may be a small charge for some optional activities.

For further information email education@durhamcathedral.co.uk or call 0191-3744070.

The Treasures of St Cuthbert is part of the cathedral’s Open Treasure exhibition.