Events Guide

A promotion of some of the best events coming up over the next few months. 

THE HOUSEHOLD DIVISION BEATING RETREAT 2016, COMMONWEALTH – THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP COMMEMORATED

Set on the historic Horse Guards Parade, against the magnificent backdrop of St James’s Park, The Massed Bands of The Household Division, supported by The Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, The Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards, The Drums and Pipes of the Irish Guards, The Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, and The Band of The Royal Yeomanry, will perform a programme of rousing military and contemporary music.

This year, we commemorate the bonds of friendship that thrive between the 53 Commonwealth countries.

Stirring music, precision drill, horses, cannons, lights, and fireworks all combine to showcase the best of British military music and ceremonial pageantry in an unforgettable evening.

WEB: www.householddivision.org.uk DATES: 8 and 9 June 2016 WHERE: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, London HOW MUCH: Tickets from £15.00 to £40.00

THE DIG FOR VICTORY SHOW – A 1940S FAMILY FESTIVAL

The Dig for Victory Show is a 1940s-themed family festival being held near Bristol in North Somerset. Organisers want to ‘bring history alive and the generations together with a sense of nostalgia and pride – to learn, to remember, and have fun’.

The event is run entirely by volunteers through a not-for-profit organisation, and supports two charities this year – Walking With The Wounded and Weston Hospicecare.

Come and celebrate the ‘best of British’ and life in the ’40s, with re-enactors demonstrating what life was like in wartime Britain, an exhibition of over 200 original, restored wartime vehicles (including the iconic Sherman tank), live music, swing dance lessons, vintage stalls, children’s trail, local food and bar, history talks, make-do-and-mend, classic cars, a campsite, Saturday night Victory dance, and much more.

WEB: www.digforvictoryshow.com DATES: 11-12 June 2016 EMAIL: info@digforvictoryshow.com WHERE: The North Somerset Showground, Wraxall, nr Bristol, BS8 1NE HOW MUCH: Adult tickets £10, family tickets (2 Adults + 2 Children) only £22. Tickets and further information available from the website

COMBINED OPS MILITARY SPECTACULAR

Kent’s only military vehicle and air show: a truly unique experience! The event has a variety of vintage and modern aircraft displays, on the ground and in the air.

The Combined Ops show started at Headcorn Aerodrome in 2009 and was an instant success with both the public and the IMPS members. The event was designed to combine all of the military vehicles regularly shown at various events, but with the added bonus of vintage aircraft all in one incredible show.

Every year the event goes from strength to strength, as we add more exciting displays and activities for all the family to see. The show in 2014 saw the only two flying Avro Lancaster bombers doing a full display. In 2015, we had the incredible Vulcan bomber, which not only filled the skies with its sheer size but also its deafening sound.

A great family event that includes static military vehicles, living history re-enactment groups, arena events, military stalls, children’s mini tanks, and food stalls, making this a perfect day out.

WEB: headcornevents.co.uk/event.php?eventid=20 DATES: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August 2016 EMAIL: enquiry@headcornevents.co.uk WHERE: Headcorn Aerodrome, Shenley Farm Cottages, Headcom, Ashford, TN27 9HX PHONE: 07769 683345 HOW MUCH: Website discounted tickets at: http://headcornevents.co.uk/event.php?eventid=20 Free Infant = 4 years and under, £6 Child = 5 to 14 years, £9 Adult = 15 years to 59 years, £7 OAP = 60 years and over, £22 = Family 2 x adults and 2 x children. All ticket prices increase after 31 May 2016

To see this article as it appeared in issue 68 of Military History Matters, click here.