GUNSLINGERS from the Old West fought it out while a Crimean Rifle Brigade went on the march and English Civil War musketeers showcased their firepower at a rain-soaked living history show.

Around 1,000 re-enactors braved the unpredictable weather over the weekend at Spetchley Park near Worcester for the M5 Living History Show, covering everything from Ancient Greece to World War Two.

The countless historical societies came together to put on an incredible programme of displays and battle re-enactments for the hordes of spectators weren't put off by the rain.

John Hannin, a performer who has been part of the Wyoming Wild Bunch for over 30 years, travels around the country putting on Wild West displays.

“In comparison to a lot of the other festivals, this one is great because it’s run by re-enactors for the re-enactors,” said the 68-year-old from Somerset, who by day fits kitchens.

Debbie Crookes, dressed as a French Napoleonic soldier, said she’s attended re-enactment events in France, Italy and the Netherlands.

A member of the Napoleonic Association, she ‘fights’ with the 85th Regiment Ligne, and said she was introduced into the world of battle re-enactments through her husband.

The 52-year-old’s first experience was watching members of the Sealed Knot group perform at Peveril Castle in Derbyshire some years ago.

“They were getting people out of the crowd to get involved and I loved it – then that’s it, you’re hooked. Then you have to go out and buy all of the gear.”

Mrs Crookes’ day job sees her toiling away in the archives at Nottingham University as part of the manuscript department, and she said much of the appeal for her hobby is the social aspect.

“The battle part is half an hour and the rest is making friends and socialising. On a night during events we’ll camp out and sit around the campfire singing songs and chatting.

“You end up making friends from all over the world.”

However, despite planning on camping this year, the couple’s car broke down and they ended up staying overnight in a hotel instead.

Trader Iain Pearston, of The Roving Apothecary, said he’s been setting up a stall at the show for four years.

“The potential of this place is huge – that you could have more and more people every time," he said. "In a couple of years there could be traders lined up down here right across the field.

“The first time we came there were only six or seven traders in total. Every year it’s get a little bit bigger.”

The event is also supported by Worcestershire Ambassadors.

See worcesterreenactors.uk.