One of Clare Westbrook’s favourite events, Wartime in the Vale, returned to its usual June weekend this year
There’s always a buzz of activity when you arrive at Wartime in the Vale (WitV). The showground comes alive early in the day; the rumble of heavy vehicles provides a constant but not intrusive backing track and there’s a happy hum of conversation at all the exhibits and stands. Walking around the showground, this year definitely felt busier than last; the return to the familiar Father’s Day weekend seems to have been a good move. The site was packed with military vehicles spanning many eras and theatres of operation, all lined up on display and ready for their turn in the arena.
‘There’s a happy hum of conversation at all the exhibits and stands’
WitV is a commemoration of military endeavours across the world and across time. From World War One to modern conflicts, including The Troubles in Northern Ireland and Cold War activities, there’s a huge range of vehicles, equipment and re-enactors to be seen. Alongside the British and American wartime scenarios, there’s always a large range of German re-enactors too. All of them are hugely knowledgeable, with the scenarios being incredibly well tho…
