A HISTORIC Kidderminster landmark is preparing to travel back in time to one of its most colourful eras.

Caldwall Tower is to become the temporary encampment of members of the Civil War Society who will stage mock skirmishes from the 17th century conflict as part of a new event raising money for Wyre Forest good causes.

Caldwall Capers is the brainchild of tower owner Richard Davies who is hosting a day of family fun on Saturday, June 26.

The three-storey tower in Castle Street formed part of Caldwall Castle, a medieval manor thought to date back to 1350, and the home of Sir Ralph Clare, one of the leading Royalists in Worcestershire during the Civil War.

The Civil War group will be in costume to re-enact battles and will also provide the "re-appearance" of Kidderminster's famous 17th century preacher Richard Baxter.

The displays will be part of an afternoon fete featuring a host of activities including charity stalls and demonstrations by a specialist weaver and a medium.

In the evening there will be a picnic-in-the-park event with entertainment from the Dutch Lewis Jazzband supported by Wyre Forest band Nobody, providing its unique brand of avant garde jazz/jam music.

There will be a firework display to round off the evening.

Mr Davies said: "We want it to be a family day out and hope it will become an annual fund-raising event for Wyre Forest charities.

"People should bring their own food and drink and a blanket to sit on for the picnic, and we are providing the entertainment."

Admission to the fete will be free and tickets costing £5 for the picnic are available from Kidd-erminster Library, Hunters Tobacconist, Wyre Forest Leisure Services, Bewdley Books and Mr Cleancalls in Stourport.

Proceeds from the event will go to Kidderminster War Memorials Trust, Citizens Advice Bureau and Cancer Research.

A carpet race - involving teams of four carrying a roll of carpet through the streets of Kidderminster and finishing at Caldwall Tower - is planned to kick off the day's festivities and details can be obtained from Sam Thombs on 01562 67555.