Ref. 22017-128HISTORY came alive in Wootton Bassett when the town hosted its annual medieval festival.

Besides historical re-enactments and a medieval fancy dress competition, there was also live music, comedy, a fun fair, children's entertainers and stalls.

Demonstrating medieval weaponry was James Armstrong, of historical re-enactment society the Company of Ordinance.

Wearing a yellow and black medieval outfit, James demonstrated a pole cannon, a hackbut musket and a matchlock gun.

He said: "I am just fascinated by the medieval period. We have had a good response from people today."

Cooking a chicken on a spit was medieval cooking expert Rachael Reeves, who was dressed as a wench in a long green dress called a kirtle.

Her 15th century recipes included Saracen chicken, fennel and chicken and pumpkin soup.

Sean Stimson brought a smile to children's faces by dressing as a ferocious dragon slayer.

Meanwhile John Bryant, of Walcot, was demonstrating the art of bow-making.

He said: "People might think I'm a bit strange, but I love this.

"I just got very interested in this period of history."

The festival, held yesterday in the High Street and the Borough Fields, was organised by the town council.