Chippenham will play host to a large scale Civil War re-enactment next month.

Following the huge success of the 2011 muster, Chippenham Town Council is once again joining forces with the English Civil War Society to bring The King’s Army and the Roundhead Association together in a fight to decide whether the town will be Royalist or throw in its lot with Parliament.

Over the weekend of July 6/7, The English Civil War Society will recreate events that happened in and around Chippenham during the Civil War.

There will be a soldiers and townsfolk encampment on The Island, displays by Musketeers, Pikemen, Cavalry and artillery and a dramatic battle each day in Monkton Park as the two armies meet in bloody conflict.

Emma King, Chippenham Town Council’s events manager, said “This is really exciting. The Town Council are supporting major events in the town, which enables us to organise free events on this scale.

"The Battle of Chippenham will be historically accurate, recreating what happened in and around Chippenham during the summer of 1643”.

This year spectators can see the English Civil War Society’s ‘Great Gunne’ which makes its first appearance in the town.

Named ‘Barak’ after a hero of the Old Testament, the ‘Demi-Culverin’ is three times as powerful as any of the artillery pieces on show during the 2011 event. Weighing one and a half tonnes, it is the largest single piece cast gun held in the UK. It is designed to fire a 12lb ball for over 1000 yards and pulverise its enemies. ‘Barak’ is the secret weapon of the Roundheads, who hope it will bring them victory during the battles.

Other activities will include a talk this Saturday by members of the Civil War Society entitled “The Journey of the Soldier Through the 17th Century’, at The Yelde Hall from 6.30pm. Tickets on the door or from the Community & Visitor Information Centre on 01249 665970. Tickets will be available on the door.

The English Civil War Society in conjunction with the Museum & Heritage Centre, will also be visiting primary schools in Chippenham prior to the event.