Wrest At War

Wrest Park in Bedfordshire is getting ready to take cover as both World War One and Two activities will combine for one unforgettable explosive action-packed May Bank Holiday weekend that will propel visitors into wartime Britain.

From the Tommy in the trenches of WWI to the Trooper of the WWII D-Day landings, the event will draw spectators into the theatre of war from all quarters at Wrest Park. Re-enactors, displays and interactive activities will all be on show to tell the story of what life would have been like during times of war, both on the front and at home.

New for this year will be the opportunity to scramble into a replica biplane and relive Baron Lucas’ life as a fighter pilot in WWI, before being blown away at the spectacle of the explosive final show.

Throughout the day, troops, spies and back-room staff will be awaiting orders from Churchill in Whitehall - how the plot will unfold will remain a wartime secret until news breaks and everyone comes together in true wartime spirit.

Younger visitors can fall into step at soldiers school from learning all about trench life and how to dress a Tommy, to having a go at an assault course and taking part in drills.

If all the action gets too much, then visitors can also relax and enjoy a stroll through the World War One and World War Two living history encampments, or watch performances to entertain the troops.

From the sadness and injury of the battlefield to the make-do-and-mend lifestyle of the homefront, stories will be told of behind the battles and how it shaped the world as we know it.