MIDDLEWICH experienced a major invasion at the weekend as thousands of people flocked to Harbutt's Field to celebrate the town's first Norman Festival.

The town was taken back to the 11th century on Saturday and Sunday when an army descended on the town in scenes reminiscent of 1070 - the year Norman soldiers invaded Cheshire.

Conquest, an Anglo Norman and Angevin living history group, led a parade through Wheelock Street before winding their way to Harbutt's Field where Middlewich Town Mayor Clr Chalky White officially opened the festival and welcomed the mayor of Venables Jean Marie Droit and vice mayor Patrick Loquett.

The event got off to a rousing start with the arming of a knight followed by a single combat display and while hundreds of onlookers watched the brutal battle, others took a wander around the site to experience the sights and smells of the living history village.

Throughout the weekend visitors watched falconry displays, medieval puppet shows, jousting matches and boat races, as well as a battle re-enactment entitled The Harrying of the North.

They also had the chance to trace the story of the Normans from 1066 by taking part in guided heritage walks, visiting archaeological sites and viewing exhibitions.

Clr Chalky White, whose personal highlight was the Conquest re-enactments, joined event organiser Dave Thompson in declaring the event an 'enormous success'.

Dave said: "It was very good, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"My particular highlight was the jousting, it was absolutely incredible to watch - breathtaking stuff.

"It was a great weekend and our French and American guests thoroughly enjoyed the festival."

Dave would like to thank everyone who helped to make the event such a success.