THE Battle of Waterloo will be 'staged' in Tavistock as part of a day of Napoleonic events at the town's music and arts festival.

The 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment fought at Waterloo and modern day re-enactors will be demonstrating the equipment they used, the drills they would perform and a spectacular display of musketry at the Meadows from 2pm this Saturday, April 23.

At 7.30pm, Professor Richard Holmes will take to the stage to give the fifth annual Russell Lecture at Tavistock Town Hall.

Prof Holmes has written and presented many television documentaries for the BBC and in 2002 adapted his book, Wellington: 'The Iron Duke' for the small screen — it is this subject that will form the basis of this year's lecture. Prof Holmes will bring to life key events in Wellington's history and introduce other great characters of the time.

Prof Holmes has published several books. His trilogy on the British soldier across history, Redcoat, Sahib and Tommy, attracted wide acclaim — and will be available for a book signing at 2pm in Book Stop.

l ST EUSTACHIUS' Church in Tavistock will be holding a Tavistock Music and Arts Festival celebration Evensong on May 1 at 6pm.

Guest speaker for the service will be the Ven Patrick Evans, Archdeacon Emeritus of Canterbury. He said: 'I am interested in the arts in the widest sense and of course the wonderful heritage of our churches, and am greatly looking forward to coming to Tavistock again to celebrate this wonderful festival.' All are welcome at the evensong.