GLADIATORS and legionaries are showing their fighting skills as part of a jubilee Roman festival.

Corbridge roman site, north-west of the village of Corbridge, in Northumberland, is the venue for the festival which began yesterday and continues today.

The scene is being set by the Silures Iron Age Society, which tells the story of Boudicca, the first Queen of Britain, as she tries to overthrow Celtic warriors armed with swords, spears and shields.

Why she failed is revealed when legionaries from the Roman Military Research Society demonstrate the power of the Imperial Roman Army in the 1st Century. They take part in weapons training, archery, military drills and marching manoeuvres and show the effectiveness of the ballista catapult.

Visitors can see gladiators and their female equivalents, the gladiatorix, in training before they take part in a knock-out tournament. A Roman surgeon is on hand to demonstrate how to treat the wounded survivors using scalpels, knives and herbal remedies.

Other aspects of Roman life covered by the festival include crafts, religious ceremonies and culinary tastes. Today storyteller Tanya Bentham will also be on hand with tales about the Roman gods and goddesses, monsters, mystery and magic.

Admission costs £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and £2.50 for children. Entrance is free for English Heritage members.

To book tickets, telephone 0870 333 1183, or for more information, call (01434) 632 349