60 Years on

2005 will see celebrations held all over Europe to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the largest Military Vehicle show in the world will be no exception. The KM War and Peace Show takes place at the Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, Kent from 20th - 24th July and has itself been running for 22 years.

The show has turned into one of the biggest annual events in Kent and the biggest show of its kind for in the world. As well as over 3,000 military vehicles of all kinds, 78 living history groups attended in 2004, displaying all manner of regiments of various periods from the First World War to present day. Alongside the displays and arena vehicle action, 40's dances, fashion shows, music and family entertainment take place.

All of which will this year have a celebratory flavour, culminating in aThanksgiving parade and veteran service to mark the 60th anniversary of WWII on Sunday 24th July for around 500 invited veterans predominantly from Kent.

Rex Cadman, organiser of the War and Peace Show said, 'This show is absolutely unique which is why exhibitors book it as their annual holiday and visitors often plan their diaries around the dates. It is an opportunity to get close to parts of history that we wouldn't often be able to. Although one aim of the show is to have fun and provide a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable day out, the other reason to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength is that it is one of the best ways to preserve our history and heritage. The owners of the vehicles, like the members of the living history groups are dedicated to recreating their particular vehicle or position and are very knowledgeable about them. They love to talk to people and impart the knowledge they have gained to anyone interested. This is also the reason why so many veterans visit us each year and have asked us to hold a ceremony for them on the Sunday of the show'

The War and Peace show takes place from 20th - 24th July. The event is open from 9am - 6pm daily. Admission on Weds 20th or Thurs 21st July is £10 for adults and £8 for children and seniors. Admission on Friday 22nd, Sat 23rd or Sun 24th is £13 for adults and £11 for children seniors. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children is £41.00. Advanced tickets will be available from www.thehopfarm.co.uk at a discount for Friday Sat and Sun only. Camping is available with weekend tickets, details available on request. For further information visit www.thewarandpeaceshow.co.uk or call the event line on 01622 872068.

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Press Contact: Sarah Harden 01622 870809 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

300dpi images available on request.

Note to editors; The Hop Farm Country Park, Beltring near Paddock Wood, Kent is situated on the A228 Paddock Wood Road, 10 minutes from M20 J4, and 30 minutes from M25 J5.