HARWICH’S Napoleonic weekend is returning next month with a two-day event at Beacon Fort.

The Napoleonic Military re-enactment of British and French troops, including the King's German Artillery, will take place from August 17 to August 18.

The Napoleonic weekend is an annual event and takes place at the Harwich Redoubt, a circular fort built between 1808 to 1810 to defend Harwich from a Napoleonic invasion. 

The setting for the weekend is that in summer 1808, Britain fails to stop the French fleet from sailing across the channel, through failure at Trafalgar.

Harwich's only sea defence is the local Sea Fencibles, who pose no real threat against the French fleet assembled against them. 

Another twist is that a junior officer in the Sea Fencibles holds Republican ideals and inspires a mutiny among the British defenders.

Re-enactment coordinator Philip Merriott, who plays Andreus Cleeve, commanding officer of the King's German Artillery, said: “Come and explore a Napoleonic fort whilst fervour builds to a riot”.

“Mayhem will ensue.”

Tickets are £6 in advance, and £7.50 on the day. Under-16s who are accompanied by an adult can attend for free. 

For more information ask at the Redoubt Fort kiosk or email redoubt@harwich-society.co.uk or visit kingsgermanartillery.uk.