Well what a fab fun time we had waay down south in the previously unvisited (by us) South of England showground in West Sussex showground for Battles Through History!
As previously mentioned this was the first of a new annual multi-period military living history show with many attractions from the fantastic arena battle and drill displays, encampments, vehicles, vintage village, traders market, wargames, steampunks, pirates & more!
I was invited to join their military authors upstairs in the fancy Norfolk Pavilion which had fab panoramic views of the arena showground below where we all had a fun time given a schedule of interesting talks and presentations in the well appointed facilities.
For a first event it was very well organised but there were some unexpected late difficulties with signage which ultimately resulted in a reduced footfall for our area. That said we had a fine community spirit going and did what we could to make ourselves more visible and the situation improved over the weekend with those who found us being supportive of our work and leaving us positive about next year.
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| Karen & I helped fly the Steampunk Flag at the show! |
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| With fellow Zulu inspired author DJG Palmer & Alec |
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| With Gentleman and 'Chosen Man' Jason Salkey! |
We managed a couple of strolls round part of the vast showground during our lunch breaks and got a very small taste of the scale of the show and the varied sights and attractions on offer. Here then is a snapshot of what we encountered which I'm sure doesn't do the event justice. All in all though, we really enjoyed the show and plan to return next year if we have the opportunity, Huzzah!
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| Napoleonic War Display! |
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| American Civil War Battle |
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| WW1 Sussex Yeomanry in Action! |
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| The Hampshire Pipe Band! |
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| Deborah II on loan from Norfolk Tank Museum! |
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| A small sample of the many military vehicles on display! |
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| 'The Thin Red Line' original army tunics (sadly not Zulu War) |
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| A War game diorama of Tel-El-Kebir! |
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| The UK Virtual Military Show! |
Brilliant show, my favourite of the year, but the signage was an issue and played a part (along with my swiss cheese brain) in my forgetting to come and find the author area as I'd originally planned.
ReplyDeleteWell there was a lot going on so easy to be distracted! I'm encouraged that the organisers had planned better signage which if not for a last minute 'hitch' would've made us easier to locate, so next year should be easier to find - please say Hi if you make it!
DeleteI read (afterwards) about the issues that plagued the setting up of the event. It actually elevated the event in my eyes, realising what had been done to get everything up and running as excellently as the organisers' did.
DeleteI've already pencilled the date in for next year and "Water Cart Rescue" is on my shopping list. See you then!
Yes they certainly did a remarkable job all things considering.
DeletePlease also keep an eye on this blog for updates etc. I 'pop up' at various events including Salute at London's Excel in April if that's your cup of tea. Otherwise see you at 'Battles' next time!