History came alive in Bratton recently as the first White Horse Military Show was staged, with historical re-enactors from across the country impressing the crowds.
The military show was set out like an army camp and featured an array of arena displays from WW1, WW2, Vietnam, and the Cold War and the Gulf War. During the weekend of 20th and 21st August, over 20 historical re-enactor groups helped bring history to life, with over 50 military vehicles on display. The marquees included performances by 1940s-style singers, a fashion show and a women at war display.
The organiser, Richard Dalton, is an avid history enthusiast and his background in TV and film set design helped bring his ambitious ideas to life.
Richard explained, “I never saw this as just a military show where you can only look at stationary people and vehicles – this is a huge production with many people behind the scenes using their craft and passion to bring history to life and I hope we did that for people. My experience in set design came in handy when it came to the practical side of things, but the reenactors and traders really sold it.
“I think the reason why it proved to be a hit is because I wanted the ethos to be different. I wanted this to be a show for reenactors that the public could come to – that way we really sell the idea and you get the best performance, rather than it being a more corporate show. The passion here is genuine and I think the public got that.
“We had just under 1,500 people through the gates and it was a great mix of families, historical enthusiasts and people who just wanted to check it out; we were pleasantly surprised by how many people showed up.”
Richard passion for set design helped bring the aftermath of the blitz to life as he built a bombed out 1940s living room, as well as a nuclear fallout dining room from the 1980s and a 1940s cinema.
Richard added, “It took six months of planning to make sure it went smoothly and that it also down to the work of everyone that offered their valuable time and help – I won’t mention names as I’m bound to forget someone, but a massive thank you to all the traders, re-enactors, and the public who really showed that there is an interest in this! I can confirm that I have started thinking about next year’s event already and the plans are even bigger and better.
“My personal highlight was seeing all the re-enactors working together and enjoying the show as one big community.
“For year one we filled a seven-acre field and we actually had to turn away re-enactors in the end as we were fully booked. Everyone I spoke to asked us to do it again next year, so of course we will. Now word has got out about the show, we’ve seen interest already for next year, I think going forward we will have a really significant show for Wiltshire, providing the public keep supporting it.”
Richard personally financed the show and said that any money raised will be put straight back into next year’s show.
