The history comes to life: the Festival of Historical Reenactment “Kirillo-Belozersky Siege” will be held in the Vologda region for the fifth time. The epoch of the Time of Troubles will reign in Kirillov during two days – from June 13 to 14.
Spectators will get to the atmosphere of the Russian medieval town-fortress the residents of which would fight against the Polish and Lithuanian invaders. The event that gave the name to the festival took place over 400 years ago and played a significant role in the history of Russia. Courageous defenders of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery could not only withstand the long siege, but also inflict a crushing defeat on the enemy. Guests of the festival will be able to see all this – a new scenario of the battles will be presented to them this time.
Over 100 members of the clubs of historical reenactment will come to Kirillov from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tula, Tver, Ivanovo, Belgorod, Cheboksary, Nizhny Novgorod and Samara. By tradition, artillery and cavalry will participate in the reenactment of the battles. Besides, spectators will see exhibition performances of the clubs, equestrian tournaments and historical defile.
The program of the festival will first include a concert of medieval music. People will be able to take part in master-classes in cursive writing of the 17th century, to learn some methods of fencing, archery, arms-throwing, and even rules for handling horses. A military camp of the Russian troops will be located at the north wall of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Everybody who wants will be able to visit it. And a fair will be certainly open during the event.
The 
Festival of Historical Reenactment “Kirillo-Belozersky Siege” attracts thousands of spectators every year. Many of them come with their families – there are amusements both for children and adults. Besides, this festival wonderfully supplements tours of the guests travelling by motor ships along the Volga-Baltic Sea Waterway and visiting the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve.
The festival is organized by the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve, the Russian Military Historical Society and the Centre of Historical Projects “Valour of Epochs”.
The program of the Festival of Historical Reenactment “Kirillo-Belozersky Siege 2015” will include a historical fair that will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; medieval amusements and games, a parade and introduction of the clubs participating in the event, the reenactment “Siege of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery” (it will begin at 12:30); exhibition performances of the clubs and contests. Concerts of medieval music will be given by the folk group “LaVerden” at 14:00 on both days.
A solemn opening ceremony of the festival will begin at noon. Winners will be awarded on June 14 at 16:00 during the closing ceremony.
Plan of grounds
Parking areas
1. Central square of the town
2. Parking lot at the entrance to the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve
3. Parking place near the south wall of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
TICKETS
The entrance ticket costs 350 rubles - for adults, 150 rubles - for children (under 14). Admission for children under 5, large families and groups from children’s homes is free. Buying the ticket for the festival, you will be also able to ascend the walls and to see the exhibition “Magic of Bobbins” in the Refectory for free.
Contact information
Telephone numbers: +7 (81757) 3-14-79, 3-28-06.
For the attention of professional photographers: to obtain accreditation, you are to send an application by e-mail admin@kirmuseum.ru beforehand and to get through an instruction of safety regulations.
