Battle-ready troops preparing for action (From Warrington Guardian)

Battle-ready troops preparing for action

DABBERS will be able to take a trip back in time next Saturday at the historic re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich.

Organisers of this year's Holly Holy Day are currently putting the finishing touches to preparations for a day of family fun that will include the spectacular 'battle' on Mill Island and parade through the town centre.

Last year's battle at Mill Island attracted more than 2,000 spectators, and the Holly Holy Day Society is confident of topping that figure this year.

Melvyn Reynolds, the society's chairman, said: "The day gives people something to look forward to at a relatively quiet time of the year, and it has now become an important part of the town's calendar.

"People come into the town from all over Cheshire for this event, and it is a great way for people to learn about and recognise the important role that Nantwich played in the civil war.

"It is a really great spectacle, and a fantastic way for people to learn about the history of their town."

The day, which will also include a wreath laying ceremony with local dignitaries and a tableau by the Nantwich Players, has been organised by the society in conjunction with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and Nantwich Town Council.

The organisers said that the backing from the local authorities reflected the significance of the event and the potency of the town's rich history in attracting visitors.

Holly Holy Day, which was first held in 1974, commemorates the significant role of the Battle of Nantwich during the 17th-Century civil war, when Charles the First's cavaliers fought the Parliamentarians.

The society has this year given MacMillan Nurses permission to collect donations from spectators on the day of the event.

Tickets for the January 22 event cost £5 for families, £2 for adults and £1 for children, and are available from Nantwich TIC.