ST. AUGUSTINE – A colorful re-enactment of 18th century British military life will take place November 30 -December 1 in St. Augustine — the Nation’s oldest city. One of the most colorful and exciting events of the holiday season, the 32nd annual presentation of Grande Illumination and British Night Watch will feature an entertaining and educational blend of pageantry and authentic historical presentations describing life in St. Augustine when it was part of the British Empire (1763-1784).
The weekend celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 30 when re-enactors portraying British Loyalist fleeing from Charleston, South Carolina to a haven in St. Augustine arrive at the City Gate at the north end of St. George Street. Just as happened 225 years ago, the exhausted Loyalist men, women and children escaping from the American Revolutionaries will arrive at the gate carrying all of their worldly possessions. After their identity papers are checked, they will be admitted into the city where they will be safe from the rampaging Americans who are in revolt against the King. The British soldiers and civilians will then encamp on the grounds of the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, 53 St. George Street. On Saturday, the British Camp will be open to the public from 9 a.m. until dusk.