Historical Festival of the Great Northern War in Vyborg, 2006

Living History Unit

"Preobrazhensky Life Guards", 1709
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THE FIRST SIEGE of VYBORG, 1706 - 2006

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What is planned? Where is it? When is it? You are welcome! Terms&Conditions

The fort Svengard (www.svengard.ru) Forests around Svengard (www.svengard.ru) Fortress of Vyborg (www.nortfort.ru/vyborg/index.html) Re-enactors: Russian infantry 1708-1712.

The Russian troops first attempted to take Swedish fortress of Vyborg in 1706: several works were captured outside the fortress, on waters of the Gulf of Finland furious "abordage" fight took place between Russian and Swedish military boats. However, due to lack of siege artillery and to the late season, the siege was cancelled and Russian troops returned to St.Petersburg. Vyborg remained Swedish for few more years and was taken after a second, successful, siege in 1710.
Historical festival to commemorate 300 anniversary of the first siege of Vyborg will be held on June 10-12, 2006 in Vyborg, Russia.

What is planned? Historical camp in a wooden fort in the middle of Karelian forests, manuevres and march along road in a forest towards Vyborg. In Vyborg - camp at 18th Century fortifications, drill sessions, parades, re-enactment of a field battle or assault of a fortified positions or even boarding a historical vessel on waters of the Gulf of Vyborg (such a boarding did take place during the 1706 siege).

Panoramic view of the Gulf of Finland.

Where is it? North-West Russia, just near Finland.The historical settlement "Svengard" - a fort built of logs on a shore of a lake in a woods; thick woods and country roads just as they were 300 years ago; old town of Vyborg, with it's medieval castle, the 18th C. fortress and Gulf of Vyborg of the Baltic Sea.
2-3 hours by train, by car or by bus from St.Petersburg. 1 hour from Finland's border.

Marching through a forest towards a fortress (although not exactly Swedish stronghold and Karelian forest depicted here)

When is it? 10-12 June, 2006
Arrival to Svengard on Fri, June 9th, or Sat, June 10th; march towards Vyborg (about 10 km) in the evening (NB! It's a period of white nights in this region); Sun, June 11th - historical camp in Vyborg, drill, reenactments for public etc.; Mon, June 12th - closing of the festival.

Tent camp and 18th century fortification

You are welcome! We invite those reenactors and history enthusiasts who would like to do living history of the Great Northern War period. In order to participate one should have a kit of dress (military or civilian) and at least minimum of personal belongings appropriate for the priod of late 17th - early 18th century. (By the way, hand-made clay pipes, bowls and jars will be available on the festival). We also expect that we will be spending whole festival in these impressions.
So far we expect up to 30 reenactors from Russia and Estonia and would very love to see colleagues from other countries, too!
Spectators are also welcome for the events in Svengard on Saturday and in Vyborg on Sunday and Monday.

An abordage of the Baltic Sea.

Terms&Conditions
The organizers provide:
- invitation documents, necessary for obtaining visas into Russia.
- assistance and support in crossing the border.
- transportation from St.Petersburg or Vyborg to Svengard, and from Svengard to Vyborg for those who will not take part in the march on foot.
- guarded camp site in the fortress, water, toilet, shower, straw, firewood, blackpowder, medical ambulance on the day of the "battle".
- food (field rations).
- guided tours to the places of interest in Vyborg

We look forward to hearing from those who are interested in participating in the event at Vyborg. Please feel free to contact us with your questions and suggestions; please also tell about this event to others who might be interested..

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