13/07/2010

Visitors to The Moors National Park Centre in Danby on Sunday 25 July can rub shoulders with a Celtic warrior, a Roman soldier and a Medieval monk. These and other characters from the North York Moors National Park's past form part of a free all-day event to launch this year's National Parks Week (26 July to 1 August) celebrating the cultural heritage of the UK's 15 National Parks.

Each character from the Living History Group will demonstrate a different activity from their era including fire lighting using flint and steel, weapon drills and ink making, with members of the public invited to join in with some of the activities. The Whitby Company of Archers will also be on hand to help people master this ancient sport.

Traditional and contemporary artists and craftsmen will be in the grounds demonstrating their skills and offering people a chance to have a go at weaving, spinning, stone carving, jewellery making and a range of other techniques. There will also be plenty of stalls selling locally-made crafts, food and drink.

The day also offers an opportunity for people to find out more about the work of the National Park Authority and other organisations with displays from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Cleveland Ironstone Museum, the Moorland Association, the North Yorkshire Moors Association and Danby Beacon Trust.

Sally Ann Smith, the North York Moors National Park Authority's Events and Exhibitions Coordinator, said:

"The North York Moors has had a colourful past and is teeming with signs of previous generations. Join us for a celebration of our heritage and chat to the many people who continue to be inspired by this beautiful place. There will be live music throughout the day and a chance to stretch your legs on a guided walk with the National Park Authority's Chief Executive and Archaeologist."

For more information on the launch day and all the events taking place in the North York Moors during National Parks Week including climbing, canoeing, storytelling and guided walks go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/nationalparksweek

The Moors National Park Centre is on the Moorsbus Network which starts its daily service on 25 July. Go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/moorsbus for a timetable.

 

ENDS