In 1980 a small group of Kent based enthusiasts got together to form a local military vehicle club, "The Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society" (IMPS) was born.

As with all clubs, having an annual club show was high on the agenda. Between the years 1980 to 1986 IMPS organised a variety of gatherings, whilst looking for a more permanent location.

In 1987 approaches were made to The Whitbread Hop Farm. July of that year saw the first IMPS Hop Farm show. 150 vehicles attended the two-day spectacular.

In 1988, contrary to the myth, this was the year it rained and just over 100 vehicles braved the weather. Exhibitors helped to establish the very first of the now legendary "Beltring Beer Tents".

In 1989 Rex Cadman and Barbara Dixon joined the organising team and vehicle numbers subsequently grew to over 400. Traders were now recognised as an equally important element of The Show.

1990 to 1993 saw constant clear blue skies and sunny weather, which helped encourage a substantial increase in vehicle numbers. Beltring was becoming the showcase for Tank owners. Our Show was growing steadily.

In 1994 the "Back to the Beaches" show in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Normandy D Day landings exceeded 1000 vehicle exhibits and was now officially the largest military vehicle show in the world!

1995 - "The Victory Show" celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Vehicle numbers increased yet again. A new aspect of the event arrived - and "Living History" was born whilst trade stand numbers and variety grew and grew.

1996 - Whilst searching for a new name, Rex Cadman and Nigel Hay came up with a title for the show. We were now celebrating the end of World War II and the beginning of 50 years of peace. "The War and Peace Show" had arrived. 1996 also saw the first 3-day show.

1997 saw the last of the IMPS & Whitbread Hop Farm Shows. As the brewers had decided to sell the Hop Farm, fears for the future of the show ran high and so did vehicle numbers. In excess of 1800 vehicles turned out for what many thought was to be the last show.

In 1998, Brent & Fiona Pollard successfully purchased what is now known as "The Hop Farm Country Park" and welcomed the War and Peace Show. Although they had no knowledge of what the show was about, they decided to give it their support. The 1998 show was a roaring success, the now obligatory sun shone all the way and vehicle numbers exceeded 2000.

1999 saw the last of the 3 day shows as entries from all around the world prepared for what was going to be the biggest military vehicle show in the world - ever!

2000 was the 5-day Millennium Special. Vehicle numbers exceeded all expectations and over 3000 attended. So successful was the show that the formula of a 5-day show has now become a permanent feature.

2001 saw an even greater increase from the year before and as we now move into the 2002 show . . .

War and Peace has become The World's Largest Military Vehicle Spectacular!!

Click here for more information about the War and Peace Show, Beltring 2002!!