A BARNOLDSWICK park will be transformed into a 17th century battlefield this weekend, complete with Roundheads and Cavaliers.

The Victory Park Gala kicks off today with musicians, including local legend Tom Hargreaves, on the marquee stage.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, part of the park will be transformed into an authentic Civil War soldier’s encampment complete with cooking pots, armourers and gunpowder makers.

The event is being organised by Barnoldswick Town Council with support from Pendle Council and it is hoped the weekend will mark the revival of Barnoldswick’s famous gala which attracted thousands of people in its heyday.

From 1pm Saturday, Roundheads and Cavaliers will stage a succession of displays involving cannons, muskets, swords and pikes.

The rival armies will then parade through the park before engaging in ‘battle’ from 2.30pm.

Seven-piece act Big J and the Piccolo Chickens will headline Saturday’s festival stage for a Party in the Park, beginning at 7pm.

A mass sky lantern launch is planned for 10.30pm followed by a furious firework finale.

The battle re-enactment and musical entertainment continues on Sunday.

The event will also feature a tug of war competition, a park procession with “person powered” carnival carts, charity stalls, a fun fair and a duck race.

* Barnoldswick’s Gala Weekend is at Victory Park on Friday, September 10, Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12.