HISTORY lovers were transported back to wartime during a spectacular and explosive military show in the Vale.

Hurricanes and Spitfires once more soared in the skies while guns pounded and tank engines roared.

Visitors had the chance to see more than 400 military vehicles and hundreds of re-enactors when they descended on the Vales Ashdown WWII Camp for a weekend of family fun.

The ninth annual ‘Wartime in the Vale’ event gave residents the chance to relive and soak up an authentic 1940s atmosphere in one of the largest military vehicle and re-enactment events in the country.

An action-packed programme was on offer on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19 at Ashdown Farm, Badsey.

Visitors turned up in period dress and stepped back in time to be entertained by aircraft, arena events including battles, tanks with pyrotechnics displays, military stalls, dance classes by JazzJiveSwing and singing acts, including the renowned Kitty Ribbons and DJ Woody.

There were also classic and commercial vehicles on display, military and Homefront re-enactor events in the Second World War camp, a children’s fayre and a Battle of Britain memorial flypast, where visitors had the chance to marvel at a Hurricane and Spitfire.

Unfortunately the Lancaster was also due but is currently grounded with fuel tank issues.

The event was sponsored by Spiers and Hartwell Ltd, Cherished Vehicle Insurance and Typhoo and was attended by the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

Event organiser Amy Jelfs said: “It was such a fantastic weekend and the rain didn’t stop the event from being the busiest ever.

“Wartime in the Vale is one of the top four military shows of its kind in the country and we had some very rare vehicles at the show including the only LVT Water Buffalo in the Europe on display.

“The cast of Allo Allo! were at the show both days and had plenty of good fun and the props display was a huge success, with genuine original props from the films ‘Fury’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Band of Brothers’.

“It’s been a special year for me as my first year fully in charge of organising the event and it really has been bigger and better than ever.

“Thanks goes to all vehicle owners and re-enactor displays, also the visitors for their support and we’re already looking forward to the show’s 10th anniversary next year.”