Whats it like to visit Tank Fest the world’s largest display of mobile military might?
Bovington Tank Museum is home to the largest collection of tanks in the world.
I spent the day touring the static displays and of course later experiencing them in motion at Tank Fest!
Video: A Visit To The World’s Largest Tank Display
Every year their display arena thunders to explosions. The roar of mighty engines and the noise of metal tracks thrashing the earth of the display area.
Located just a few miles from Wool village the extensive museum, giant vehicle conservation centre facility and the arena are all open for ticket holders.
This is where you can see these monster vehicles in motion at the worlds largest tank display. And literally feel their power and vibration as they rumble past during Tank Fest.
With tanks from the First World War being the oldest in the collection coming right up to date with British Challenger 2.
Tank Fest action Churchill tank.
However, the collection in the museum and on mobile display are certainly fully international.
The museum was founded in the early 1920’s when Rudyard Kipling thought that many wrecked tanks from the World War 1 could be preserved and a place found to store them was then established.
Although the museum itself did not get started until 1947.
Not Only Tanks But Some Excellent Re-enactors Too
Over the years the collection has grown and the museum has been extended a number of times in order to be able show the exhibits off to the public at their best.
‘Tank Fest’ has been so popular over the years that it has turned into three day event usually around the end of June each year.
Tank Fest World War 1 Trench display.
On entering there is an area where re-enactors portray and show how life would have been during many different conflicts.
One very detailed construction of a World War 1 trench system complete with a wheel mounted 8 inch mortar dominating the landscape.
Then surrounded by a wooden boarded trench. With a host of troops dressed and armed as of that period. Even several giant shell damaged tree trunks populated the area too.
Screaming Eagles Re-enactors.
Other groups were showing their interest with one group of Russian soldiers with next to them a group illustrating the 101st Airborne or ‘The Screaming Eagles’.
German military re-enactors in the static display area.
Not too far away is a group from World War 2, the Fallschirmjäger or a German parachute troops group.
Tank Fest. The excellent World War 1 static display.
It is even possible to be catered for in the style of the 1940’s from a van used by Women’s Volutary Service. Also similar trucks were used by the Naval, Army, Air Force Institute or the NAAFI.
WVS Van From World War 2 On Show
Flocking to it were visitors ready to collect tea, coffee, sponge cakes and buns from them. Unfortunately not at 1940’s prices. As those would have been in pennies!
Although certainly not expensive by today’s standards. Colourful red and white scarfs to add to the period feel donned by the two women running the van.
Women’s Voluntary Service catering wagon.
Many other reenactment organisations were there. One showing French troops and a UN unit and other regiments plus other up to date military units from the UK.
Visit The World’s Largest Tank Display
There are a series of display areas set up around the complex.
A nearby museum from the Royal Signals had an interesting tent. That included very early telegraphy items. Plus a covert radio transmitter from World War 2 packed into a suitcase.
A radio in a suitcase made by SOE for WW2.
There is also a large shopping area where it’s possible to buy period clothes and antique items plus a food area of similar size too.
Lets now talk tanks. Getting close up is what this event is all about.
Before the main events get started there is plenty of time and plenty of vehicles to close up and personal with them. Around 25/30 plus must have been to hand there.
Time to get close up to at the world’s largest tank display.
A tank parking area is accessible where you can get pictures of or with them. Seeing their sheer size scale and smell too.
There is often someone with each one to answer questions. Also explain in more detail their history or interesting facts about that model.
Action comes next and the mobile display is about to start so I headed to the main arena where there were sections on three sides for seating and standing.
On the day I attended there were 8,000 tickets sold.
Tank Display Kicks Off With An Explosion
With two explosions and smoke bombs detonated in the centre of the arena. As three tanks thundered around the circuit and the display was kicked off well and truly!
An interesting senerio followed featuring a World War 1 pair of tanks. One being a replica as the real ones in the collection are rather too old, being now 110 years old.
World War 1 display in the main arena.
Also taking part Renault FT. Following then a small battle was enacted by sets of German and British troops.
We even had a Hollywood star on show in the form of a Sherman tank bearing the name of ‘Fury’ which was used in Brad Pitt’s film of the same name.
Brad Pitt taken by me at the museum for a film photo-call his in 2014.
Then followed a series of displays with very well illustrated talks to help explain the development of the tank over the years.
After a lunchtime break it was back to the arena for another display of more modern tanks.
King Tiger At The Largest Tank Display
Plus another battle session including the King Tiger tank. The only one in the world and rebuilt over the years from scrap and spares found around Europe.
The German King Tiger in the main arena.
Other parts of the mobile displays were entitled, The Arrival of the Main Battle Tank, Meeting Post War Threats and a British Army tank display.
Certainly a very educational visit to see and feel these mechanical marvels and how they came into being. Plus, how and where they were used in various conflicts around the world.
Exterior view of Bovington Tank Museum.
Of course the museum itself is open. However, it does take some time to walk around and see the numerous halls and yet more tanks.
Make sure you leave time as Tank Fest day is so very full.
The Tiger Collection exhibition at The Tank Museum at Bovington Dorset.
If you cannot get into the museum then I recommend you plan to return. As there is much to learn in there too.
Who would think that when Rudyard Kipling suggested opening a museum that it would turn into such a huge complex. That it is now the largest of its type in the world?
All to be found next to Wool. Perhaps rename the village Steel?
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