September 2011 Prestonpans Battle Re-enactment Programme: HERE IT IS!
All set for another grand weekend at Cuthill Park, but there's more ....
'Tis true the now traditional annual re-enactments at Cuthill Park attracting over 1000 visitors in 2010 are a major highlight. But there is much more to participate in as well over the coming three weeks.
First up, the Prestonpans Tapestry is on display in Haddington's magnificent St Mary's Church at Sidegate from September 10th/ 15th, 11.30am/ 4pm week-daily; 1.30pm/ 4pm Sunday.
Next an exhibition of 6 major so-far-unseen paintings by local artists Andrew Hillhouse and Kate Hunter go on view all week at The Prestoungrange Gothenburg from Tuesday September 20th. Andrew has created massive artworks of The Riggonhead Defile March, Gardiner mortally wounded at Tranent Manse, Cockenzie House surrendering Cope's Baggage Train and finally the Camerons capturing the Redcoat Cannons in the Battle. Kate Hunter has created masterly contemporary matching portraits of the two leading protaganists - The Prince and Sir John Cope.
On September 21st, the precise anniversary date, there's wreath laying and a Conducted Battlefield Walk; and September 23rd sees the traditional Occupation of Prestonpans by the redcoats marching along the High Street.
Dawn on September 24th sees those without faint hearts at Tranent Co-op Car Park by 5am very latest to re-enact the Riggonhead Defile March and return for a bumper breakfast at The Prestoungrange Gothenburg.
All these details and full schedule for the action in Cuthill Park on September 24th/ 25th are on the flyers displayed here. Click to enlarge and print out as you need. And feel most welcome to visit the Camp at Cuthill Park as shown during both days. And of course, be sure not to miss the battle Ceilidh with Teannaich at the Prestonpans Community Centre [£5 including haggis supper & cash bar.]
Admission is free at all events but the Trust will be out with Donations Buckets! All the re-enactors are volunteers, but it costs a shilling or two [several thousand quid to be precise!] to mount such occasions and all contributions are clearly needed and more than gratefully received.
N.B. And please note the printed warning about animals being afraid. There will be musket and cannon fire so don't bring anxious pets along and if you live on Prestongrange Road please make appropriate arrangments.
ENQUIRIES PLEASE TO ARRAN JOHNSTON either by phone @ 01875 812555/819922 or by email @ ajohnston@battleofprestonpans1745.org
Published Date: September 8th 2011
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