On the 13th of July, Scarva – a small town in County Down – is the scene of the “Sham Fight”. As can be seen, the event is hugely popular, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. This film shows various stages of the re-enactment, the participants playing their part with gusto. Groups of men march and ride amidst the tightly-packed crowd and trade (blank) gunfire shots.

This film was digitised as part of the BFI's Unlocking Film Heritage project.

This the 'Sham Fight' held every year on the 13th July and organised by the Royal Black Institution (also known as the Black Preceptory). The Black Preceptory is a Protestant fraternal society related to the Orange Order. The footage depicts quite a humourous battle reconstruction. This 'sham' sword fight shares features with other folk re-enactments such as the Morris Dance - a choreographed English folk dance.  

• National Museums Northern Ireland
• Britain on Film