A LONG forgotten battle from North Devon's past will be re-enacted on the slopes of Arlington estate this weekend.

For the first time, this episode from the annals of the English Civil Wars, will explode into life, thanks to the Sealed Knot Society and the National Trust. This is likely to be spectacular entertainment on the Father's Day weekend.

The battle to be fought (twice in one weekend), is a recreation of the day in 1642 when the parliamentary rebels of Barnstaple ransacked the Catholic Royalist stronghold of John Chichester at Arlington. They had been commanded by the House of Lords to order the local gentry across England to fund the Parliamentary cause, or suffer the consequences.

The Sealed Knot will be bringing the day to life with a bang, as cannons, muskets and pikemen come to blows. For the faint-hearted there will also be a small living history encampment.

Dave Gibbons, house steward at Arlington and pikeman of Sergeant Major General Philip Skippon's regiment of the Sealed Knot, said:

"This could have meant the end of the Chichester family, but luckily when the armies of King and Parliament met at Edgehill four days later, events at Arlington were forgotten and remained so for 350 years. John Chichester died in May 1644, having kept a low profile after the raid, his son John inherited at the age of 11 and was too young to fight.

The Chichesters had not been deeply involved in the war, so they were able to hold on to their possessions although John's elderly grandmother Susan caused so much trouble that at one stage she was actually debated in Parliament."

The battle will be re-enacted at 2.30pm on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 although the Sealed Knot Society will be in place, performing military drills and living history from 11am on both days.

Details from Arlington Court on 01271 850296 or check out the website at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ arlington. Normal National Trust grounds admission.

OTHER FESTIVAL EVENTS THIS WEEK:

Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration

Ilfracombe - various

Until Sunday, June 20

THE seaside resort revisits the Victorian era with various themed events, featuring bathing belles to a Suffragettes' rally. Most events are free. See the website for further details. www.ilfv.org.uk

GoldCoast Oceanfest

Lime Kiln Field, Croyde

Friday, June 18 to Sunday,

June 20

10am-11pm (7pm end Sunday)

THIS surf and music festival is a chance to watch and try everything from beach volleyball and beach soccer to surf competitions, toe dippers and skate demos.

Enjoy international cuisine, adrenalin zones, pro demos, workshops, exhibitions and more. For more on the music turn to page 52.

For ticket options see website www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk

Wildflower Walk

Sandy Lane Car Park,

Braunton

Friday, June 18, 6.30pm

THE AONB 50th anniversary celebrations continue with this free guided walk. Free

Holistic Fair

Petroc, Barnstaple

Saturday, June 19

10am to 4pm

EXPLORE delights to soothe the mind, body and soul while enjoying alternative therapies, stalls and demonstrations. This is a chance to discover new treatments, including ones that use art and chocolate. There will be plenty of activities for all ages. Food and refreshments available.

Admission: £1.50 (some treatments will incur additional charge). For treatments and activities visit www.petroc.ac.uk/festival

Barnstaple Elephant Day

The Square, Barnstaple

Saturday, June 19

1pm to 8pm

CELEBRATE the discovery of the remains of an extinct straight-tusked elephant found in Summerland Street in 1844. Enjoy free themed family entertainment.

Free. Details: 01271 346747.

Bideford College Summer

Science and Family Fun Day

Tapeley Park, Instow

Saturday, June 19

11am to 5pm

ENJOY exciting, educational and entertaining attractions at this 'science around the world' themed family event.

Admission: £2 (concession: £1, children 50p). Details: 01237 428141.

Midsummer Orchid Walk

Sandy Lane Car Park,

Braunton

Sunday, June 20, 3.30pm

THE AONB 50th anniversary celebrations continue with this guided walk.

Free.

Moorland Butterfly Walk

Car Park by Ladies Mile,

GR SS635480

Tuesday, June 22, 2pm

GUIDED walk to view some of Exmoor's rare butterflies in the Heddon Valley, home to Britain's rarest butterfly: the high brown fritillary.

Cost: £3 (young people free). Details: 01398 3222286.

Valley of Rocks Walk

Main Car Park, Valley of

Rocks, Lynton

Wednesday, June 23,

11am to 3pm

AN EASY three mile walk with the ramblers along the dramatic coastpath to Lynton. Booking essential. Free (cliff railway £1.95).

Details: 01271 863727.

● www.northdevonfestival.org