Soldiers in period costume landed on the site to give Wearsiders a sneak preview of the event, which itakes place on August 14 and 15.

In the first event of its kind, Hylton Castle Battle 2010 will see the castle – built during the troubled period of the Civil War – travel back in time to 17th-century life.

Gates open at 11am, and visitors can see life in camp for soldiers, with actors in costume performing activities associated with the period in history. The battle starts with a bang at 2pm.

There will be musket and artillery displays, showing the loading and firing of muskets and cannon, with drill manoeuvres on the battlefield.

The Roundheads and Cavaliers can also be seen in full costume around the city for the weekend.

Coun Denny Wilson, one of the organisers and a heritage campaigner, said: "The other great thing about this group is they will stay in costume from the day they arrive until the day they go home."

The battle re-enactment has been organised by the Friends of Hylton Castle with the support of English Heritage and Sunderland City Council.

For more information on the free event, visit www.thesealedknot.org.uk or www.sunderlandevents.com or phone Sunderland Tourist Information Centre on 553 2000.