IF it weren't for the tannoy you would think you had stepped 600 years back in time.

The ancient walls of Bishop's Waltham Palace were draped in banners last weekend for a medieval spectacular celebrating its links to the Hundred Years' War.

More than 1,000 people attended Road to Agincourt, marking the 600th anniversary of King Henry V's visit on his way to victory over the French.

Wandering bards plucked tunes from the lute, competing with the noise of battle re-enactments, sword-making and open-air theatre.

And locals joined in too – the Gaudete dance troupe learnt medieval steps especially for the weekend.

Margaret Pilling, complete in silver tiara and period dress, said: "It's wonderful. Kids have got great opportunities to learn with re-enactions like this. It's a good opportunity to learn in a fun way. "

Organised by 25 local groups and more than 70 volunteers, the festival to aims bring the 12th century palace back into community use.

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Tony Kippenberger, of Bishop's Waltham Town Team, said: "The whole point is that this is a rare palace – there are only 50 of them in the country.

"Everyone feels very strongly that it should be used more often and fitted more often into the heart of what the town does.

"I think a lot of people who brought their kids are learning about what's in their midst that they wouldn't otherwise know.

"The whole town has pulled together to put it on, which is great because it links the community with the palace and we all come together."

Henry V is thought to have spent around 10 days in Bishop's Waltham Palace in 1415 as he assembled his troops in Hampshire. He would then cross the channel to Harfleur before devastating the French at Agincourt, near Calais.

Road to Agincourt also embraced the 21st century on Sunday, with the grounds playing stage to live rock, hip-hop and drum and bass from local acts.

Festivities, which also included falconry, archery and a medieval banquet, were enhanced by Saturday's beating sun after difficult early weather.

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Even a thunderstorm couldn't ruin Thursday's curtain-raiser – because it was a performance of The Tempest.

Shakespeare's depictions of turbulent storms were given another dimension as the Rain or Shine theatre company, true to its word, made the most of the backdrop.

"Everybody just laughed and the actors carried on," said organiser and parish councillor Robert Shields. "Nobody left. The spirit of it was just superb. Britishness at its best!"