Warminster’s Lake Pleasure Grounds is gearing up to be transformed into a battlefield next month for a military-themed fundraiser marking 80 years since the end of World War Two.
The event will raise money for The Royal British Legion and commemorate the anniversary of VE Day.
Re-enactment battles, living history displays, weapons demonstrations and exhibits will bring the Lake Pleasure Grounds to life on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July.
Every ticket purchase is a donation to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Organiser Crispin Thomas, also known as the Stand Up Historian, said, “I’m delighted to say that tickets are selling well and people are reacting to the low price for what will be a fantastic weekend for Warminster.
“Around the lake, we have representations from some of the best re-enactment groups in the UK — namely the American 101st Airborne ‘Screaming Eagles’, the 304th Panzergrenadier infantry group, the Dorsets, and the 29th US Infantry Division, to name but a few.
“I am exceptionally pleased to announce that Damien Lewis, who has just launched his latest book SAS GREAT ESCAPES FOUR, will be talking to me on the Saturday about the SAS and his personal quest to get a posthumous VC for Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne.
“Alongside BBC historian Helen Fry and the well-known Pegasus Bridge author Neil Barber, there will also be a line-up of Q&A sessions and book signings with these authors at the show. All talks will be with me and will take place outdoors — weather permitting.”
A whole host of wartime performers such as Stephanie Belle, Helen Pearson and Eleanor Swayze have also been confirmed to perform at the 80th Anniversary World War II Show.
To keep attendees well fed, The Cozy Kitchen as well as Hawkstone Brewery will be in attendance as people wander between a selection of World War II vehicles, armoured cars and Jeeps. Several weapons demonstrations will also take place throughout the weekend.
Crispin, who lives in Warminster, continued, “Re-enactment battles on the golf course will be staged between the 304th German Panzergrenadier Division and the US 29th Division, portraying an actual action that happened behind the Normandy Beaches after D-Day.
“There will be two battles on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Each battle will involve firing real blanks, and I am hoping they are going to be really realistic and very exciting to watch.
“It’s going to be a great show for Warminster, so please show your support now by buying your ticket.”
Tickets for adults start from £5.75 for the day, and children over three cost £3.75. Under 3s go free. Visit ww2.littleboxoffice.com/events/97709 to get a ticket.
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