It's not every day that you get to re-live one of the world's most famous battles or explore a historic military camp, but this month people in the Southern Tablelands and Canberra can.
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Gold Trails Reenactments will bring to life the Battle of Waterloo at Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrumbateman on the weekend of June 15-16.
Around 80 reenactors will set-up and stay in a Napoleonic army camp and perform infantry, cavalry and artillery displays across the two days.
The actors will be living, eating and sleeping in the camp, which will include military vehicles, horses and equipment for the weekend.
"Visitors can wonder the camp where reeanactors will be going about daily life and providing explanations," Gold Trails president Wes Leseberg said.
"The reenactors will be cooking period meals over the weekend and we are providing them with straw and firewood for bedding and to keep them warm," Mr Leseberg said.
Although, Mr Leseberg said the reenactors will have more comforts than the real soldiers had at the Battle of Waterloo.
"They slept outside the night before and it rained," he said.
The Battle of Waterloo was fought over 203 years ago on June 18, 1815, near Waterloo in Belgium. It marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, ending 23 years of war between France and other parts of Europe.
The battle was between Napoleon's French Imperial Guard and the Duke of Wellington's allied army, which included British, Dutch, Belgian and German troops.
"Battle reenactments like this don't happen very often," Mr Leseberg said.
There will be displays of Napoleonic training and drill, alongside re-enactments of the battle. Between displays, there will also be period games and music for everyone to enjoy.
Mr Leseberg said it will be as much fun for the reenactors as it will be for those watching.
He will be acting as a cavalry commander, looking after the allied forces.
"The commanders have been learning the script and will be running it as an army," Mr Leseberg said.
All of the money raised from the event will be donated to Yass Valley Can Assist, which helps local cancer patients and their families.
Held at Shaw Vineyard Estate, visitors will be able to enjoy a cheese platter and glass of wine while taking in the atmosphere and performances.
- Entry is $10 (free for children aged under 16). A portion of the money raised will go to CanAssist Yass Valley Branch.
- Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/waterloo-murrumbateman-tickets-61226211246
- This is a dog friendly event, although owners are asked to keep their pooch on a leash.
