Tag: The Victory Show

The Victory Show, the largest WWII re-enactment weekend of its kind in the UK, is back from Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August 2025

This year, The Victory Show marks its 20th anniversary while also commemorating the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

The Victory Show is held at Foxlands Farm, a privately operated family farm located in the village of Cosby, Leicestershire. The event commences on Friday, 29th August and is anticipated to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the weekend. The farmland will be transformed to authentically portray life during the war years, featuring trenches, numerous heavy armoured vehicles, halftracks, and up to 300 military vehicles. Additionally, attendees can enjoy an extensive display of World War II aircraft over the course of the weekend.

This three-day event includes an Educational Day for school children and their teachers on the first day, with participation from students representing schools across the county. The programme provides insight into life in the 1940s and offers question-and-answer sessions with more than 120 re-enactor groups. These activities provide an enriching academic experience designed to enhance students’ understanding of this historical period.

On Saturday, 30th and Sunday, 31st August, the Show will be in full operation, featuring military vehicles, the United Kingdom’s largest collection of 1940s living history displays, and the country’s most extensive WWII battle re-enactment. This year’s airshow will include classic WWII warbirds, with additional fly-ins which will form part of the static aircraft display. Participating in the airshow include:

With it being the 20th Anniversary, The Victory Show has some additional attractions for visitors to enjoy this year, including:

• The Weald Foundation will be attending to show their original fully restored leicheter Panzerspahwagen (2cm) (Sd.Kfz.222) Ausf. A (4.Serie) and their original leichter Panzerspahwagen (Fu) (Sd,Kfz.223) Ausf. A (3. Serie). These will run before the public. Meticulously rebuilt to factory specification and maintained in full working order. These armoured cars are the only operational examples of their variant anywhere in the world.

• The ‘Standing With Giants’ Charity will run a mini display of their life size figures at the show. Visitors can walk through the display and explore the short documentary videos on their phones via QR codes spread around the installation.

• Guest Speakers including Bruce Crompton from Amazing War Stories, David Willey former curator at The Tank Museum, Crispin Thomas – The Standup Historian, Rony Rushmer author of SAS Duty Before Glory – a talk on SAS Great Reg Seekings and Tom Petch who is an award winning film director and ex SAS Commander, author of SAS Speed, Aggression, Surprise, the secret origins of the special air service.

The primary objective of the Victory Show is to offer a World War II-themed event that is accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all ages and interests. The event is dedicated to honouring all World War II veterans, recognising their invaluable contributions and acknowledging that our present-day lives have been profoundly shaped by their sacrifices.

The daytime entertainment appeals to families, older adults, and professionals from Leicestershire as well as from across the United Kingdom, Europe, and further afield. First-time attendees can expect a rewarding and engaging experience at the Show. This event provides a comprehensive representation of life during the war years, enhanced by an aircraft display that offers a unique feature unmatched by other events in the country.

This year the popular 1940s-themed dinner dance on Saturday night will feature live entertainment, big band performance and a headline appearance by the nation’s premier wartime act, The D-Day Darlings.

The continued success of the Show is attributed to the diversity of its programme, the dedication and experience of its staff, and the level of publicity and media coverage it receives. The event also provides support to several charities by assisting with fundraising efforts, including SSAFA, The Royal Marines Charity & Historical Society, The Royal British Legion, The Veterans Foundation, Standing with Giants Charity, among others.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A LINE UP OF PARTICIPATING WWII AIRCRAFT VISIT: www.thevictoryshow.co.uk