words and pictures Andrew Stone Yorkshire Wartime Experience Events
lar pyrotechnic display and battlefi eld action
involving tanks, vehicles and Allied and German
re-enactors.
While most of the arena action took place on
Saturday and Sunday, the Friday was dedicated
as a school’s day where local children were invit-
ed to walk round the site and interact with many
of the displays, trenches, vehicles and re-enact-
ment groups up close.
“Overall it was a fantastic show and we had
7,000 more people attend than last year,” said
Stuart. “We spend an awful amount of money on
the battles but it’s worthwhile in the end because
everything that went on in the arena went off
very well.”
Stuart said they were already planning next
year’s show which promised more action.
“You cannot run a show like this without the
vehicle owners, re-enactors and stall holders so I
don’t like to single out individuals when thanking
people for making it happen,” he said. “We have an
excellent team involved in organising the event so
it’s really down to everyone involved.”
Entertainment was provided by Paul and MelissaHarper, Lilly Moore and the Ashby big band while
there were several fully licenced bar and food
outlets.
In a fi rst for the show, a wedding between two
re-enactors was held on site. A social media post
from organisers said: “Congratulations to Ash
and Kirsty, two of our lovely re-enactors. We are
honoured that you chose our event to celebrate
your special day.”
On a sad note, a minute’s silence followed by a
gun salute on Sunday were held in tribute to a
military vehicle collector who passed away.The D-Day battle re-enact-
ment was a hit with crowdsVisitors can get up close to
the military vehicles on showSeveral bikes were also
on display for two-wheeled fansAn impressive array of heavy armour on was on display A Bedford QL fi re engine A re-enactor loads blanks into his magazine
There were plenty of
military vehicles on show
for enthusiastsA ‘Pink
Panther’
takes part in
a battle
re-nactment