A popular annual weekend of family fun is returning to Oldham next month with a Civil War re-enactment for the first time in five years.

Organised by charity and community group Chadderton Together, Chadderton Day promises live drill displays and battle re-enactments by the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote across two days.

Hot and cold food, refreshments, and ice cream will be available from Lydia’s Tearoom on both days.

The cafe, established in 2021, is named after Lydia Becker, an early suffragette who used to live at the adjacent 400-year-old Foxdenton Hall.

The event will take place in Foxdenton Park from 11am on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9.

It's goal is to raise awareness of the aim to renovate Foxdenton Hall.

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It’s promised that there will be something for all the family, with living history displays and a range of stalls also set to be on offer as part of the family fun day.

Raffles will also take place at the event.

As part of the re-enactments, 16-ft pikes and an eight-foot replica of a 17th-century cannon will come to the park.

Despite the loud bangs, organisers say families can rest assured that no musket balls will be used.

‘Lord and Lady Radcliffe’, who, as Royalists, lived in Foxdenton Hall in the middle of the 17th century will parade around the park wearing specially created period-style costumes.

The town cryer will welcome the Mayor of Oldham to the event.

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Graham Taylor, who is helping organise the event, said: “After five years we’ve brought back this Civil War re-enactment. It’s brilliant, it really is.

“The pikes are 16-foot-long, it’s all real stuff. An eight-foot cannon that has a big bang, so obviously we’re writing to all the neighbours to advise them there’s going to be some noise and disruption.

“As far as the visitors go, I think it will be a memorable experience.

“We’ve never had a cannon before, and it’s a replica of a 17th century cannon.

“All these guys have battles and skirmishes and taunt each other. The royalists, the people on the side of Foxdenton Hall who were royalists at the time, and the roundheads, Oliver Cromwell’s lot, they come and attack them!

“I don’t think anybody gets hurt.”

Graham went on to talk of the family activities on offer.

He added: “I’m looking forward to seeing what they do for the kids, because they’ve got displays where the children can go on hobby horses and children’s activities like 17th century dentistry, which will be fascinating. It should be good!

“It’s the big highlight of our calendar, it’s all about raising awareness for our long-term aim to renovate the Foxdenton Hall.”

Graham added that schools will be invited to join in on the fun.

“The re-enactors do educational packs for Key Stage one, two, and three. If any schools are interested in learning more about the Civil War and hopefully coming to the event we can send them some information they can use in the classroom. Some of the guys actually come out and do a presentation in the classroom.”

Chadderton Day will take place in Foxdenton Park on July 8 and 9 from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be free.