EXCITEMENT is building as Colchester braces itself for an epic re-enactment of the brutal 73 day siege the city faced 375 years ago.

The sounds of musket and cannon fire will fill the air during the two day event next weekend as more than 500 re-enactors from the English Civil War Society descend upon Colchester.

Residents will be able to witness the battle and skirmishes, discover the sounds and smells of the living history encampment and “meet” Civil War soldiers.

The idea was the brainchild of Colchester resident and war society member David Molloy, who presented it to Colchester Council’s then heritage boss Pam Cox last summer.

Gazette: History - siege re-enactors at Colchester CastleHistory - siege re-enactors at Colchester Castle (Image: Newsquest)

Now 375 years on from the historic 73 day siege in 1648, the city is once again bracing itself for an influx of people.

Social historian Ms Cox said: “The siege was a brutal episode in Colchester’s history but one that we should commemorate.

“The events that happened on our streets in the summer of 1648 proved to be a dramatic turning point in the English Civil War.

“That history is all around us. You can still see the musket shot holes in the beams of the Old Siege House restaurant which occupied a key site near the river defences.”

During the free event, a living encampment will be set up in Castle Park to recreate aspects of family life lived in the 1640s.

But a lot of history from the siege remains a permanent feature in Colchester.

Fairfax Road, Lisle Road and Ireton Road, as well as the former Sir Charles Lucas School, were all named after key characters involved in the siege.

The junction of Head Street and St John’s Street was also the scene of some of the fiercest combat.

Gazette: Remarkable - musket shot holes can still be seen in the Old Siege House restaurantRemarkable - musket shot holes can still be seen in the Old Siege House restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council’s leisure, culture and heritage chief Michelle Burrows has urged people to come along and get involved in the event.

“Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience history come to life and to commemorate a pivotal moment in Colchester's rich heritage,” she said.

It will take place on Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20. 

You can find a full timetable of the events via bit.ly/443unth.