A PLAY exploring the violent clash between solstice revellers and police will be shown next Thursday at the Arts Centre.

The dramatisation of the Battle of the Beanfield by young theatre company The Breach will look back at the confrontation between hundreds New Age travellers and police.

The June 1985 clash came about after a free festival near Stonehenge was banned by authorities. A peace convoy of revellers then engaged in running battles with the police.

The following Thursday the Journal led with the headline "Festival Fury" and reporter Mike Bull witnessed at least five injured travellers bleeding from head wounds and was himself threatened with a raised truncheon when he tried to get closer to the action.

Dozens were injured, 24 travellers were hospitalised, one with a suspected fractured skull, some 537 travellers were arrested, at that time it was the largest example of civil unrest and mass arrest since the Second World War.

The play, a fusion of original film, genuine riot gear costumes and innovative ideas, highlights important questions about civil rights and freedom of expression.

Who has the right to occupy land near a heritage site to celebrate an important pagan festival? Does a free festival justify the invasion of private land? Were police action too brutal? And did the courts overreact?

The performance on Thursday will leave ‘no stone unturned’ exploring these issues in the play and post-show chat with members of the cast.

Tickets for the show on Thursday, March 24 are available from the Box Office on 01722 321744, prices are £12, £10 for concessions or on line at salisburyartscentre.co.uk It is being showed as part of Theatre Fest West. For more on the festival which runs until April 2 turn to page 93.