THE crowds turned out for the skirmish re-enactment displays by the Wrexham-based Cwmwd Ial group, which did performances in the setting of a Viking long boat as part of the Living History Festival at Knighton.

The Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust was another body involved with storytelling and archaeology activities, including Anglo Saxon crafts, on both days of the event which was part of the Offa’s Dyke Association’s (ODA) 50th anniversary celebrations.

Around 700 people attended the family friendly festival weekend enjoying two days of free entertainment which also including demonstrations of bronze age metal casting, and early medieval apothecary advice on curing everyday ailments.

The ‘Time Vortex’ exhibition was visited by 200 people who saw the exhibition researched and curated by John Beddoes School, under the guidance of archaeologists Penelope Foreman and Katherine Longley from Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT).

A party of 34 academics and students from the German Open University in Hagen decided to include the event as part of its summer study tour and a special walk was arranged for them along a section of Offa’s Dyke outside of Knighton.

Prof Howard Williams from the University of Chester and Herefordshire County Council archaeologist Liam Delaney expertly led the walk and then gave a lecture on Offa’s Dyke to a packed audience in the Offa’s Dyke Centre.

Other talks were given by Offa’s Dyke drone photographer Julian Ravest, also 15-year-old Niall Heaton from Trefonen who gave a young person’s perspective on Offa’s Dyke.

On Sunday Dr Paul Belford, director of CPAT, gave an introductory talk on recent developments along Offa’s Dyke prior to leading a walk along a section of the monument.

Visitors attended from as far afield as Leicester, Malvern, Stoke on Trent, Wrexham and London, such was the appeal of the festival, now in its second year.

Joint organisers, the ODA and CPAT are already beginning the planning for next year’s annual festival.

During its 50the year the ODA is aiming to broaden its appeal, and involve as many people as possible, in understanding and enjoying Offa’s Dyke and its wider historic setting.