Battle of Hastings 'cancelled for second year running'
Actors stage the 'largest ever' re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings at Battle Abbey, Battle, in 2006. Credit: PA
The re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings is to be cancelled - for the second year running.
The display at Battle Abbey is a major tourist attraction but English Heritage which owns the land, says it's already too wet to stage the event.
They're worried about damage to the fields if it goes ahead. Last year's event also had to cancelled because of the weather.
However, the site has recently been disputed by local historians who believe the actual scene of the 1066 battle is under threat by the development of the Hastings to Bexhill link-road.
Wet weather has forced the organisers of the annual Battle of Hastings re-enactment to cancel Sunday's event - although the site will remain open to visitors.
Although, thousands braved today's muddy conditions to see troops from historical groups across Europe recreate the events of 1066, the Sussex battlefield has been left too wet for tomorrow's planned battle.
English Heritage say: Although the forecast was for fair weather over this weekend, unexpected torrential rain over several hours this morning has resulted in unacceptably high levels of mud both on the battlefield and on public areas. For safety reasons, the event cannot go ahead tomorrow.
The venue will remain open, but the battle event itself will not go ahead. Those who have pre-booked tickets will automatically receive a refund and do not need to contact English Heritage.
Re-enactors prepare for annual 'Battle of Hastings'
Tent life for reactors Credit: Nashreen IssaBattle of Hastings re-enactors prepare for their annual show Re-enactors pose for the camera ahead of this year's 'Battle of Hastings'
Thousands of people are expected to attend today's re-enactment of the most famous battle in English history. The 1066 Battle of Hastings is being brought to life by actors in this year's version of the annual event.
