THE warm spring sunshine saw thousands of people turn up to the annual Battle of Towton re-enactment event near Tadcaster.

This year marked the 550th anniversary of the bloody War of the Roses battle and the organisers of yesterday’s event laid on a range of activities and displays.

Mark Taylor, chairman of the Towton Battlefield Society, said: “We have had between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors; it’s packed full of families.

“We have falconers, we have a living history village full of arts and crafts, longbow displays and the big finale will be a re-enactment of the battle of Ferrybridge.”

Mr Taylor said yesterday’s weather was in stark contrast to the actual day of the historic battle in 1461, when soldiers endured sleet, rain and flooded streams.

Yesterday also saw the opening of the society’s new Battlefield Walk.

“It takes in all the key viewing points of the battle and it takes you away from the public roads,” said Mr Taylor.

“We see this as a national heritage asset.”

As well the Towton Battlefield Society, the day attracted re-enactment societies from throughout the War of the Roses Federation. The day also features a display of sword skills from a Sikh martial arts group.