Over 600 events took place in 1999, all listed in an annual Special Events Diary. Mini-events' are designed to enhance a visit to the site rather than being the main reason for visiting.
Many visitors prefer a low-key display that they can get close up to without being in a large crowd.
We also have some spectacular large events which can feature up to 2,000 re-enactors from top groups, such as the English Civil War Society or Ermine Street Guard, but most are much smaller, utilising the services of single societies. A video especially for Leisure and Tourism tutors and students, 'Ticket to the Past' , which looks at how English Heritage plans, organises and carries out a major special event is available. History In Action' , the video of the first weekend festival in 1996 is also available. Both videos can be borrowed by tutors on two weeks' free loan or are for sale . Concerts Open-air performances of music are held in the grounds of some our most spectacular historic sites, including lakeside concerts at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath in London, Marble Hill House, London, Audley End House and Tilbury Fort in Essex, Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire, Pendennis Castle in Cornwall, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, and Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.