The Upper Thames Military Reenactment Society and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority present the Battle of Longwoods on May 2^nd and 3^rd, 2026. Re-enactors from across North America come together to recreate military and camp life in Southwestern Ontario during the War of 1812. Enjoy tours, demonstrations, and a daily battle.

The gates will open Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am and the site will be open until 4:00 pm. A variety of activities are available each day. There will be period merchants open daily, and visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the Ska-Nah-Doht Village, Resource Centre, or the various nature trails throughout the conservation area. Children’s games and rope making near the cabins will be available all day. In addition to the battle, we will have demonstrations from the surgeon, a performance by the Crown Forces Drums, Artillery presentations, camp tours, and more!

Lunch is available for purchase from the Poplar Hill Lion’s club.

2026 Schedule

10:00	Gates Open to Public
10:30	Battalion Drill British Forces perform their daily drill in preparation for the Battle of the Longwoods.	Battlefield
11:15	Rations, Recipes and Realities Examine British Army provisions, Regency cooking, and what food was truly like in British North America	British Camp
11:30	Surgeon Surgical knowledge was rapidly changing in the early 19th C. Our surgeon will demonstrate how to deal with common wounds and diseases of the time.	Pavilion
12:30	War Council	Pavilion
1:15	Camp Tour Join a British officer to explore how the officers and men of the British army lived in camp in 1812.	Pavilion
2:00	Music Demonstration Hear a sample of military music from the Drums, Crown Forces, 1812.	Battlefield
2:15	Cannon Demonstration In the early 19th C artillery was an important part of military strategy. See how these guns were loaded and fired and how they were used.	Battlefield
2:30	Battle Demonstration British, Indigenous, and American Forces will demonstrate the military tactics of the period.	Battlefield
3:00	Mini-Militia Following the battle, youngsters who want to be soldiers will be trained in the drill and discipline required of a soldier in 1812.	Battlefield
4:00	Gates Close