THE thundering of hooves and crack of muskets will ring out in Dunbar as part of a re-enactment weekend.

The Scottish Battlefields Trust will recreate the Battle of Dunbar 1650, with a series of events planned for this weekend (September 13-15).

Re-enactors from across the UK are expected to put on an exhilarating display recreating a key part of the battle, amid a series of informative family-friendly activities.

The living history event is part of a tri-annual calendar of re-enactment weekends in East Lothian, with the battles of Pinkie and Prestonpans also part of the rotation.

The Battle of Dunbar re-enactment is also the climax of 2019’s East Lothian Archaeology and Local History Fortnight.

Highlights over the weekend include demonstrations of cavalry tactics, a chance to eavesdrop on the rival generals as they make their battle plans, and immersive military camps for visitors to explore.

The re-enactors have also been tasked with presenting an accurate interpretation of how a military company operated in the 17th century, with pikes and muskets marching to the beat of drums.

There will interactive activities, stalls and crafts, with activities taking place in the field behind the town’s Asda store, off Spott Road, from 11am to 5pm next Saturday and Sunday.

By 1650, there had been civil war for 11 years, and the alliance between the English Parliamentarians and the Scottish Covenanters had broken down after the execution of King Charles I.

The Scots chose to support his son, prompting Oliver Cromwell to invade in retaliation.

On September 3, 1650, he unexpectedly attacked the larger army of General David Leslie outside Dunbar and destroyed it.

The Battle of Dunbar re-enactment weekend aims to bring to life the dramatic events of Cromwell’s early-morning assault, which turned the tide of the campaign and brought disaster upon the last great army of Covenanters.

The events will be witnessed by descendants of some of the Scottish soldiers who were taken prisoner at the battle and later transported to North America.

The descendants are travelling to Scotland to commemorate the role of their ancestors in the events.

On the opening day on Friday, a special evening, beginning at 7.30pm, at Dunbar’s Battery, will remember the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Dunbar with colourful presentations, commemorations and a musket volley.

Then, next Saturday, 17th-century soldiers return to the town’s streets for a commemorative parade, joined by descendants of Scottish soldiers who took part in the battle.

For more information, go to eastlothianbattles.com