The International Living History Festival is over the weekend of 18–19 April 2026

The festival will welcome a large and diverse turnout of living history groups, portraying both civilian and military life across the centuries. From everyday domestic skills to the realities of conflict, history will be brought vividly to life by hundreds of passionate reenactors!

With over 300 reenactors, working alongside Ratcliffe’s Heritage Events, more than 40 living history camps will be established across the site. Alongside this, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, arena displays, and a historically themed market, offering a truly interactive journey into the past. We are delighted to welcome actor Jason Salkey, Rifleman Harris from the legendary Sharpe TV series, who will be giving talks in our Theatre. There will be Have A Go Archery and delicious food and drink from local street food vendors as well as hot and cold drinks in our Gunpowder Cafe.

If you are a living history group or exhibitor and are interested in participating in future events, please contact Ratcliffe's Heritage Events directly:  https://rhevents.uk/contact/

Check out the video for a look at a previous event, credit to David Sinclair, Corporate Motion TV https://www.corporate-motion.tv/about/

Saver day and weekend tickets are still available and don't forget to book parking if you are driving here. For bigger events we can't guarantee parking for all visitors so we operate pre-booked, paid parking. We are a short walk from Waltham Abbey Town Centre, which has ample paid and some free parking and we are around 15-20 minutes walk from Waltham Cross Railway Station.

Further information on the programme will follow, watch this space!