In pictures – Hailsham's Michelham Priory holds Living History Festival

The bit where Robin and his Merry Men take on the might of the Sheriff's Norman soldiers, free the captives and win the day.

That was the experience for hundreds of visitors to Michelham Priory which staged its Living History Festival last weekend. Over three days, re-enactors staged mock swordfights, demonstrated how villagers dressed, cooked and lived and engaged in hand-to-hand mortal combat.

Anderida Border, Mythago Morris and Gallyard Tudor dancers provided slightly jollier examples of public entertainment. Visitors were invited to relax and refuel at the Sunne in Splendoure tavern. Once refreshed they took part in traditional blacksmithing and axe throwing. Children were invited onto the Knights' Training Ground where they found out what was involved in becoming a medieval warrior.

No quarter of medieval life was left unexplored with demonstrations of craft, calligraphy and scribery. There were also deep dives into medieval medicine, religious practices, cooking over open fires and even chain mail and weapon making.

Devilstick Peat returned with a world-famous blend of comedy, circus skills and chaos - performing two shows daily alongside hands-on circus workshops in the jesters' encampment.

The whole event recreated a celebration of the past set in the moated grounds of Michelham Priory - a setting tailor-made for historical fantasy. This was its fifth year and, thanks to demand, looks well set for its sixth in 2027.