What's On 2025
Created and built by Re-enactors, Film, Television, and Theatre people. We re-use old film sets and recycle them to create new sets to then be part of out show. With the help of many friends, it will feel like you have just stepped through the screen of your TV into an old war film.
It’s a show put on by Military & Vintage Enthusiasts for Military & Vintage Enthusiasts. The timeline of the show runs from the Napoleonic era right the way through to Gulf War 1 including groups from times of America frontier and American Civil war.
Our aim is to create a friendly, good quality, non-commercial, non-profit show for Wiltshire. To celebrate the armed forces and help educate the public of the History, in a way of learn without learning through being immersed in history (like a Digital Detox). This also gives young people a chance to see what can be achieved with the use of art and crafting and a strong determination to make it happen.
There will be an arena with displays of vehicles and troops. There will also be all over site demonstrations going on from Vietnam to Home Front WW2 England. There are also scenes being played out by “History In Motion” theatre group in many areas of the show and you, the audience will have to choose which character to follow as they travel through different timelines and areas throughout the show.
We are keeping each area as different time periods in history. As well as over 700 re-enactors and living history groups. These are some of the set builds made from recycled Film & TV sets throughout the 50 acres show which you will be able to visit.
Various Areas in the Museum
A 1940s style pub which will be open serving drinks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Set out with tables and chairs. There will be period games to play, or listen to the music from The Cabaret Club next door.
Building on the success of the Cinema last year we are expanding on this. There will be a small classic Cinema building with a foyer and seating for 30 people. You will be able to see some great films and newsreels throughout the weekend. Shown on some real reel to reel projectors.
It’s free entry and we may give tickets out as souvenirs. There will be popcorn and munchies for sale as part of the experience.
This is where all the main music and dance entertainment will be. The Stage will be a Western Approaches Navy Plotting room.
Here throughout the weekend there will be many different acts. To be confirmed, but hopefully amongst others, Dicky Lines, The Liberty Sisters, May Blossom Vintage Song Bird, Salisbury Big Band and Blitz Time Sally.
Also, there will be a fashion show. On Sunday morning a service of remembrance will be held by Arch Deacon Alan Jeans.
There will also be dance classes here if anyone would like to learn a dance.
Another new addition this year to the home front will be a wonderful vintage Barber.
You will be able to get yourself in perfect form, so you will be looking swell!
In the home front, The Vintage sweet shop “Sweets in time” will be open throughout the weekend too.
Different battles and line-ups will be presented in the Arena during the weekend. Please take a look at the program in the downloads section (this will be updated as information becomes available).
- The Liberty Sisters – Ruby, Rose & Dolly
- Dotty And Biscuit – performers of women’s stories
- The Flaming Feathers – Vintage, Cabaret, Showgirls
- Strungout Ukulele Band – The great sounds of the 50s, 60s and 70s
- The Salisbury Big Band
- Corsham Brass Band
- Swing Out Swindon – Swing Dance Classes/Performances/Workshops/Private Tuition
- May Blossom – Vintage Songbird
- Dickie Lines
- Blitz Time Sally – Vintage, Singer, wartime, 1930’s, 1940’s.
All the traders go here
This will have a little of just about everything – we can’t promise 1980s prices though!
Main Historical Groups
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the past.
One of the most popular periods for military history buffs is the Napoleonic era, which spans from the late 18th century to the early 19th century.
This was a time of great change in Europe, marked by wars, political upheaval, and the rise and fall of one of the most famous military leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte. The effects of this period are still very much with us.
We’d love the chance to chat with you about this exciting period of history and to introduce you to some of the trials and tribulations endured by soldiers, or maybe talk about that hugely significant conflict – The Battle Of Waterloo!
a 1 to 1 replica of the top of Bath Abbey
which we will be using as a Royal Observer corps post and fire watch along with other roles that used to be stationed on top of buildings during WW2.
American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865.
This conflict was a defining moment in American history, marked by intense political and social divisions, and some of the bloodiest battles ever fought on American soil, many of which hold almost mythological status, especially in the USA.
Find out more about Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, John Brown, Stonewall Jackson, Frederick Douglass and Stonewall Jackson. Learn about ‘The Union’ and ‘The Confederacy’. What happened at Gettysburg and why was it so significant.
The military history of the American frontier is a unique and captivating period of American history that spans from the colonial period to the late 19th century. It was a time of constant conflict and change, as settlers and soldiers fought against a variety of enemies, including Native American tribes, foreign powers, and even each other. This period was characterized by a diversity of cultures, new tactics and technologies, and an expansion with profound implications for the nation.
This was a melting pot of cultures, where European settlers, Native Americans, and African Americans all played important roles in the military history of the period. The unique challenges of fighting in a rugged and often hostile environment led to the development of new tactics, such as irregular warfare and hit-and-run tactics.
The frontier was also a place of innovation and experimentation, repeating rifles were developed during this period, making soldiers more effective in combat. The Gatling gun, which was invented in 1861, was also used for the first time on the American frontier. This early version of the machine gun revolutionized warfare and changed the way battles were fought forever.
The expansion of the frontier had far-reaching consequences for the nation, leading to the displacement and marginalization of Native American tribes, the growth of the slave trade, and the rise of the United States as a global superpower. The conflicts that occurred on the frontier helped to shape the identity of the United States and influenced the course of American history.
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. The war was fought on multiple fronts, with battles taking place in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
In a historical context, World War I marked a significant turning point in world history. It was the first global conflict of its kind, involving the mobilization of entire populations and the use of new technologies and weapons on an unprecedented scale. The war had a profound impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of the world, leading to the collapse of empires, the rise of new nations, and the emergence of the United States as a world power.
So much iconic imagery evolved from this period but possibly the most famous is The Poppy.
World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history. The war began as a result of the aggressive expansion of Nazi Germany, which sought to establish a new world order. The war was fought on multiple fronts, with battles taking place in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. For a short period Britain can be said to have stood alone against this tide sweeping through Europe, we endured the blitz and we can possibly be excused for quoting Churchill out of context.
If the British Empire and its Commonwealth[e] last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’
In a historical context, World War II was a defining moment in world history. It marked the end of the old world order and the beginning of a new one, with the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers and the collapse of European colonialism. Despite the devastation and loss of life, the war also led to important advancements in science, technology, and medicine, paving the way for the post-war era of prosperity and progress.
This period of our history is on the very edge of living memory with many people having parents and friends who have lived through this traumatic time.
For a short period Britain can be said to have stood alone against the rise of
This area focusses on a different aspect of the support from home. There will be a 1940s farm run by 16 ladies of the Women’s Land Army with the help of the next-door POW camp.
Different battles and line-ups will be presented in the Arena during the weekend. Please take a look at the program (click here) to see what will be there.
Different battles and line-ups will be presented in the Arena during the weekend. Please take a look at the program (click here) to see what will be there.
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