THE CLASH of cold steel and the ancient roar of gladiators will rattle across Hadrian’s Wall country next weekend as the clock is rolled back for a special event.

The might of the Roman Empire will return to Northumberland on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4 as Hadrian’s Wall Live returns for another year.

The English Heritage event will take place at Housesteads and Birdoswald, where visitors can see ancient armies clash once more and gladiators do battle in hand-to-hand combat.

History fans can also walk with Roman legionaries as they embark on route marches during the two-day event.

Hadrian’s Wall Live is split into a daytime event at Birdoswald Roman Fort and a night-time patrol at Housesteads Roman Fort.

Tickets to the two events will also grant the bearer entry to an evening Barbarians Night Attack event at Birdoswald.

Between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, Birdoswald will be overrun by Romans and barbarians.

Hadrians Wall Live will feature a large-scale battle between the Roman army and a barbarian horde. Regular gladiator shows will take place throughout the day with two re-enactors doing battle.

Young history buffs can get to grips with the ancient world with sword drills and chariot racing for children and arts and crafts activities.

Time Will Tell Theatre will be performing After the Eagles a piece following the intertwining stories of three very different Romans.

There will also be a collection of hawks on display and the touring Mansio, a travelling venue displaying commissioned work from poets and authors, will also be in situ.

From 5.30pm on Saturday, the Sethe Night-Time Patrol will embark from Housesteads Roman Fort, where they will march by torchlight.

And from 8.30pm, barbarians will lay siege to Birdoswald Roman Fort in a spectacular night attack.

Visitors to the arena will have the chance to witness 45 Romans and 40 barbarians recreate battles, kidnappings, Pagan sacrilege and brutal retribution.

For more information, visit the English Heritage website.