Thousands expected for Burnley military re-enactment day (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Thousands expected for Burnley military re-enactment day

8:00pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in Burnley

The day will offer spectacular re-enactments

CANNON fire will ring out over Burnley to mark the start of a fun day expected to draw 7,000 visitors to a park.

Friends of Thompson Park are hosting their annual Rangers’ Day on Sunday with a multitude of activities.

The Lancashire Militia, who re-enact battles and dress in period costume, will mark the start of the celebrations when the park opens to the public at 11am, by firing a cannon over the lake.

The group will also be displaying cannons and other war memorabilia and will be holding re-enactments during the afternoon at the Edwardian urban park which features a boating lake, Italian gardens and miniature railway.

Burnley FC are also attending with Bertie Bee the mascot, and will host beat the goalkeeper against players from the club’s youth teams.

Visitors to the Burnley park will also be able to have fun on an Army zip-wire and tackle a climbing wall.

There will be a family barbecue, four live bands, fairground rides and bouncy castles.

Thompson Park is also famous for its ornamental gardens large numbers of flower beds and the rose garden.

Brett Hill, a volunteer for Burnley ex-service personnel charity Salute, has helped organise some of the festivities.

He said: “We’re hoping to get a crowd of around 7,000 to the park.

“The Lancashire Militia should provide spectacular sights and sounds.

“There will also be opportunities for members of the public to have their picture taken with our volunteers dressed as snipers and SAS members.”