IN PICTURES and VIDEO: Viking invasion is brought back to life in Wednesfield

But the people of Wednesfield took it all in their stride and replied with roars and shouts of their own as the actors in colourful costumes took part in a march along High Street.

Around 800 residents made the most of the glorious sunshine on Saturday and then flocked to a funday held in the grounds of Wednesfield High School featuring staged battles by the 32-strong Jorkvik Viking group and family entertainment.

The event was a nod to one of the most significant battles in British history that took place on August 5 and 6 in 910 AD when the Anglo Saxons and their allies defeated the Viking Danes of Northumberland on the field of Woden – now known as modern-day Wednesfield.

Thousands of Vikings and Anglo Saxons warriors clashed just south of Bridgnorth, before moving over to this area for an even bigger battle. It proved to be a key moment in the unification of England from the four kingdoms of the Anglo Saxons some 50 years later.

Organisers from Wednesfield History Society say the celebration was a great success and there were plans to repeat it next year. It was officially opened by Councillor Barry Findlay.

The society's chairman Ray Fellows says: "It was absolutely fantastic. We were very pleased with the outcome. As we walked down the High Street the Viking group gave a roar and a lot of the people roared and shouted back. It was an amazing response from the public.

"There is a debate with people in Tettenhall about where this battle happened, but my research is pointing to two separate battles within a year of each other in Tettenhall and Wednesfield. We're hoping to hold a meeting with the Tettenhall folks in due course to learn more about it and I'm pleased to say one of the councillors from Tettenhall came to the re-enactment which was great to see.

"Our future aim is to teach the children of Wednesfield about the history of the area."

In addition to the two-mile procession around the town and there were a series of battle re-enactments running throughout the afternoon. Entertainment included giant inflatables, a mini fun fair, food, toys, and music. About 20 business and charity stalls including Hands on Wednesfield (HOW) and Wednesfield Rotary Club also attended.

Donated prizes including vouchers from Sainsburys, Next and Argos, plus history books and a bottle of whisky.

Mr Fellows said the society was also grateful to Wednesfield Magazine, the WV11 website and councillors Phil and Mary Bateman for their support.

His next book Lar An Anglo Saxon Warrior is due to be publish in the autumn.

To mark the anniversary the city's flag was flown in St Peter's Square.