NANTWICH was echoing with the sounds of Civil War on Saturday as the town took part in the annual Holly Holy Day celebrations.

Hundreds of troops from the Sealed Knot Society marched through the town centre to Mill Island for the annual Battle of Nantwich re-enactment, watched by thousands of spectators.

Holly Holy Day traces back to the 17th century and the civil war between Parliamentarians and the Royalists.

The festivities started from 9.30am with a free programme of entertainments for all ages in the town centre.

The Nantwich Sea Cadets band opened the event, followed by dancing, music and drama performances on stage by X Academy and the Nantwich Players.

For youngsters there was also a magic show, Punch and Judy and the opportunity to ride on a cannon.

At Nantwich Museum there was a musketry demonstration and a war game re-enactment of the battle.

In the Parish Hall there was live authentic 17th century music and a living history exhibition on the lawn outside.

The museum also led history tours of Nantwich, while the annual Battlefield Walk and Talk started from Acton Church at 10am.

There were mounted cavaliers parading around the town, along with a hog roast and holly buttonholes on sale.

The climax of the day was the dramatic battle re-enactment between soldiers of the Sealed Knot on Mill Island.