BONNIE Prince Charlie's finest victory is brought to life this weekend in Prestonpans.

The historic events of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans will be re-enacted  on Saturday and Sunday at the Greenhills, Prestonpans, as the Scottish Battlefields Trust’s Battle Weekend returns to the town.

The famous battle, which saw Bonnie Prince Charlie lead a Jacobite victory over Sir John Cope and his government forces, was one of the most important in Scottish history.

This year’s events began this morning (Saturday) with a grand commemorative parade - with all the events listed below taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

At 11am, living history camps open with craft activities, stalls and caterers – and the two armies begin to ready themselves for war.

There is a recreation of the raising of the standard at 11.30am, while youngsters take part in a Highland charge at noon.

General Cope’s war council can be seen in action at 12.30pm, with a cavalry display at 1pm and Redcoat Manoeuvres at 1.30pm, before Bonnie Prince Charlie’s war council convenes at 2pm.

At 2.30pm, the bagpipes sound as battle approaches and men ready themselves for the fight.

The spectacular battle re-enactment takes place at 3pm, again on Saturday and Sunday.

There is then an hour-long history talk, before the encampment closes at 5pm.

Stalls are open all day for craft activities, food, souvenirs and gifts.

The Battle of Prestonpans Tapestry is also on display at Cockenzie House.

Two new books will be launched during the weekend and there is a wargames table on which visitors can also re-enact the battle on a smaller scale.

Weapons and armour are available to try on and there is a chance to see an 18th-century printing press in action.

Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children but for early-birds who arrive between 11am and noon entry is half price.