A SPRING tradition which marks the anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy is due to take place this coming Bank Holiday.

Oak Apple Day is due to take place at The Commandery in Sidbury in Worcester on Bank Holiday Monday (May 29) between 10am and 5pm. 

This spring tradition marks the anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 following the English Civil War – and has a special connection to the city of Worcester, the scene of the deciding battle of the Civil War in 1651.

The grade-1-listed Commandery – the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester – will be alive with reenactors, military demonstrations, history talks and more.

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Visitors can watch musket firing take place in the picturesque walled gardens, and children can take part in cannon and pike drills throughout the day too.

'Fascinating talks' from the Battle of Worcester Society and Worcester Reenactors will 'transport visitors back to the time of the Civil War' say organisers.

Visitors are also invited to take a tour up to Fort Royal Hill where fighting took place during the final battle in 1651.

The Commandery is one of the only places in the UK to still celebrate the spring tradition of Oak Apple Day, also known as Restoration Day.

Nine years after Charles II hid from Parliamentarian troops in an oak tree following the loss of his Royalist cause at the Battle of Worcester, he returned to the throne on his thirtieth birthday, May 29, 1660 – which became the annual celebration of Oak Apple Day.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, said: “Oak Apple Day is a fun spring celebration for all the family to enjoy, and it brings to life some of the amazing stories from The Commandery's history.”

There is no booking required for Oak Apple Day at The Commandery, and usual entry admission applies. There is free admission to those with a season or Worcester Residents’ pass to The Commandery.

Oak Apple Day is followed by more living history. Children can follow in the footsteps of real Civil War soldiers over the May half-term holiday.

They can take part in a cannon drill and learn to wield a pike in the gardens. Join soldier school sessions from 10.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 30 to Friday, June 2.