CHIPPENHAM is bracing itself for a Viking invasion, more than a thousand years after the first Nordic hordes descended on the town.

During the bank holiday weekend, Regia Anglorum will create a Viking camp in Monkton Park, for a three-day living history extravaganza, culminating in a spectacular ship-burning on the River Avon.

The colourful Viking experience, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, will celebrate Chippenham's Viking and Anglo Saxon heritage.

Chippenham played a vital role in the government of ninth century Wessex.

King Alfred the Great had a fortified palace in the town, where there was defence offered by the River Avon, and rich hunting in the surrounding forests.

The town's part in the ensuing battles with the Danish Vikings was recorded in both the Anglo Saxon chronicles and in Asser's account of the life of King Alfred.

In the year 878, when King Alfred was 30, Guthrum and his army seized the town.

King Alfred, his nobles and soldiers were driven into the woods and marshes of Somerset, where they sought refuge at Athelney on the Somerset Levels, and from where Alfred conducted his guerrilla counter attack.

But Chippenham belonged to the Vikings only from January to Easter, when Alfred was victorious at the Battle of Edington, finally driving the Danes from the town.

Chippenham's role in the struggle for power was critical, according to Chippenham Heritage Centre manager Mike Stone.

"This puts the town in the centre of what is happening in Wessex," he said.

"If the Saxons had lost we would have had Viking kings on the throne. Chippenham takes centre stage when the battle between Vikings and Saxons was decided."

The town featured on a recent BBC television series, called Blood of the Vikings, which followed a major study of genetics to find out if the Danes left a lasting legacy to the town.

Last year 122 volunteers gave DNA samples but disappointingly none of them turned out to be the descendants of Vikings.

But this weekend members of Regia Anglorum will relive the turbulent months in the ninth century in Monkton Park.

More than 100 people will demonstrate how the Vikings lived and fought, with a 'living history' village and an events arena.

The village will depict the everyday life of Viking families, with cooking, crafts and demonstrations.

In the arena warriors will be training, with a display of archery, horse riding, the arming of a Gneat, a Viking knight, and a battle.

Then at 8pm on Sunday, as dusk falls, a fallen Viking warrior will be carried to a long boat moored in midstream.

Archers will draw blazing arrows and fire them across the dark water, setting the ship ablaze.

The event has taken Chippenham events and promotions officer Emma King 18 months to organise.

"I had heard of ship burning events being held in other parts of the country, and I thought it would be good for Chippenham. It has never been done before," said Ms King.

"And I am a real river enthusiast it's an important feature of the town and I hope this will highlight it."

The Town Centre Management Partnership and the town council have funded the event, with sponsorship from many local companies.

The long boat has been created by the Chippenham Sea Cadets, and students from Hardenhuish School and Maud Heath School at East Tytherton made shields to adorn the sides.

The Heritage Centre will have a marquee in Monkton Park, with a special Viking quiz for adults and children.

There will also be talks on Viking and Saxon life by Kim Siddorn, Regia Anglorum's organiser.

Viking and Saxon enthusiasts are invited to join in the fun by entering the Gazette and Herald's fancy dress competition on Sunday.

Adults and children can take part in the event, with a family ticket to the Jorvik Viking Museum in York for the winners.

So history fans who fancy dressing up as a Saxon farmer, a warrior, a housewife or a Viking child, should register their entry at the Gazette and Herald stand before 4pm.

Judges will be looking for inventive and authentic costumes.

Judging of all entries will take place at 4.30pm in Arena Two.

For those who are not too clear on the Viking look, they will be able to get ideas on costumes by calling in at the Heritage Centre. There they will pick up some tips on a successful Viking or Saxon makeover.

The competition will have four age categories up to ten years, ten to 14, 14 to 17 and adults.

Other prizes include tickets to Wookey Hole Caves, a Pogo Stick and children's videos.