The dramatic sight of 30 cavalrymen performing intricate manoeuvres and showcasing their skills with javelins and other weapons can be seen in Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July in ‘Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle’.
Tickets to attend this unique event celebrating the accession of Hadrian to the Imperial Roman throne 1,900 years ago go on sale from Friday 3 March.
Taking place at Bitts Park, Carlisle on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will showcase some of the exercises the Roman cavalry would have performed at sites across the Wall, many described by Hadrian himself.
Bill Griffiths, head of programmes for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and chair of the Hadrian’s Cavalry steering group, said: “This is a rare chance to see the Roman Cavalry in action.
“Roman cavalry were famous for their lavishly decorated helmets and body armour. The Cavalry would regularly perform exercises to illustrate their skill and prowess. We are really looking forward to bringing this Roman display back to life!”
Bitts Park in Carlisle will be transformed into a Roman Cavalry pageant, complete with mini Hadrian’s Wall visitor village. After passing through the recruitment house, audiences will enter a Roman infantry encampment where they will be invited to join separate teams to cheer on the Roman cavalrymen as they compete with each other in the parade ground. Audiences will also be able to meet some of the cavalrymen and their horses to see close-up the ornate armour and dress.
Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle will feature Roman re-enactors, exhibitions from across the wall, crafts and food and drink concessions.
Zoe Bottrell, producer of Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle, said: “It is a privilege to be working alongside Alan Larsen and his fabulously skilled horses and riders to create the Turma. It is unique and special event to be able to re-create a bit of history, whilst adding a bit of theatre along the way. We hope that audiences will enjoy this remarkable show of skill and pageantry.”
Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July at Bitts Park, Carlisle. Performance times are 2pm and 6pm on Saturday 1 July and 4pm on Sunday 2 July 2017. Early bird tickets, available until Monday 1 May, cost £6.50 for children and £9.50 for adults. Full price tickets cost £8:00 for children and £12.50 for adults. A special family ticket (two adults, three children) cost £35.
Tickets go on sale at 10:00 on Friday 3 March from www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk/tickets. Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle tickets can also be bought in person at Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.
Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle ticket holders can also benefit from discounted entry into some Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition venues and the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Country bus. For full details visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk.
Other cavalry-themed re-enactment events will take place throughout August as part of Hadrian’s Cavalry. Venues include Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum (5 & 6 August), Great North Museum: Hancock (19 & 20 August) and Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum (27 & 28 August).
Additional Roman-themed re-enactment events can be seen at various English Heritage sites too. For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
Turma! Hadrian’s Cavalry Charge in Carlisle is part of Hadrian’s Cavalry, which opens on Saturday 8 April at 10 museums and heritage attractions along the full 150mile length of Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site area. The exhibition brings together a unique group of Roman cavalry objects including ornate helmets, armour and weapons on loan from national and international museums; all shown alongside objects from museums across the Wall. Hadrian’s Cavalry runs until Sunday 10 September 2017.
For more information visit www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk