A CHANCE to experience life as an Anglo-Saxon is coming up this weekend in Southend.

Visitors to Priory Park on Saturday and Sunday will get to explore Anglo-Saxon daily life through a "living history camp", look at clothing, weapons, take part in a battle re-enactment, taste food demonstrations and more.

Victoria Rathmill, Assistant Curator of Archaeology at Southend Museums, who has organised the event, said: "Southend has a rich Anglo-Saxon history, especially in Prittlewell - we even have a princely burial which is on display in Central Museum.

"It’s this Anglo-Saxon heritage in the area which inspired us to create an event showcasing daily life for the Anglo-Saxons.

"We’re excited for visitors to experience what life may have looked like had they lived in Southend during this period."

Alongside the living history camp there will be more archaeology themed activities.

These includes a sandpit mini-dig where visitors can uncover hidden objects from the handling collections.

There will be the opportunity to have a go at packing an object with the museum staff, an archaeology themed puzzle, and an Anglo-Saxon inspired craft activity.

Southend received national interest following a 2003 archaeological dig, when archaeologists from MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) excavated a small plot of land in Prittlewell, Southend.

Roman and Anglo-Saxon burials had been discovered in the area when Priory Crescent was being constructed in 1923 and the archaeologists wanted to find out what remains had survived and how they might be affected by the proposed road widening scheme.

As excavations continued, archaeologists found a complete burial chamber full of Anglo Saxon objects and the remains of a wooden coffin where the deceased would have lain.

More about the Princely Burial can be found at southendmuseums.co.uk

Tickets for the Anglo Saxon weekend, which takes place at Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, on July 30 and July 31, from 11am until 4pm, are £8 per person including children over three-years-old.

This includes access to the living history camp, access to Kiddie Vike and access to the other activities throughout the day.

Tickets are at bit.ly/3S1UkF6