Shaftesbury Park is base for the visitors whose ranks will be swelled by Italian and Irish comrades.

Residents can rest easy, however, as the visitors are here for a re-enactment of the Siege of Carrickfergus.

Not only is the event a first for Carrick, it is also a first for some of the participants. The two French professional groups and their English counterparts supplying the canon for the dramatic portrayal have never been to Northern Ireland before to take part in such a celebration.

The Siege Part 1 will take place on Friday from 7.30pm approximately and Part 2 on Sunday from 2pm approximately at St Brides Car Park.

The re-enactors’ campsite in Shaftesbury Park will be open to the public on Saturday from 11am-12.30pm and from 3pm-4.30pm and again on Sunday from 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm.

Sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Siege takes place on the same weekend as the annual re-enactment of the historical landing of King William with events including fireworks, live music, family entertainment, falconry and Cullen’s Funfair.