The eagerly awaited Siege of Carrickfergus re-enactment is returning to the town on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.

Taking place at Castle Green from 11am to 4pm, the free event will include over 40 re-enactors from across the UK, dressed in period costume against the backdrop of Carrickfergus Castle, followed by a pageantry parade to meet King William at the pier.

The re-enactment begins at 11.30am.

Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the event has something to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.

The historical re-enactment will take place at Carrickfergus Castle Green on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

placeholder image — The historical re-enactment will take place at Carrickfergus Castle Green on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

There will be a range of entertainment to include performers, face painting, a sensory play area, falconry displays, a drum circle, archery and a climbing wall.

Re-enactment groups taking part include the famous North Irish Dragoons, Edinburgh City Guard (Scotland), Earl of Loudens (Scotland), Kragfergus, Sir Henry Inglesby Fife & Drum Corps all tied together by talented storyteller, Stephen Lalley and narrator Dr David Hume MBE.

Meanwhile, the Siege of Carrickfergus artisan market will host 15 speciality producers, including familiar favourites at the Carrickfergus monthly artisan market alongside new local producers.

They will offer a range of exciting products including baked goods, handmade confections, handmade jewellery, candles and wax melts, embroidered and crochet gifts and bespoke wooden gifts. The diverse mix of locally made products mean there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The free family event will bring the 1689 Siege of Carrickfergus Castle to life with period costumes, live demonstrations, entertainment and an artisan market. Pic McAuley Multimedia

All spectators will step ‘back in time’ to experience the 1689 Siege of Carrickfergus Castle by King William III’s forces ahead of his arrival almost a year later, led by the Duke of Schomberg against the Jacobite Irish commanding forces.

As well as live cannon and musket firing, visitors will be able to wander around military encampments to peek at what life would have been like.

The main firing period is to be 12.15pm to 1.15pm, and at the end of the event at 2.30pm. The rest of the event will be free of live arms firing.

The event marks an important milestone in the history of Carrickfergus Castle and the town, giving those in attendance insight into the significant historical events which took place there over 300 years ago.