The Show, which takes place at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, from 18 to 22 July, celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

It's also the 30^th anniversary of the Falklands War, and to mark this, all Falklands veterans have been invited to attend free. Second World War veterans can also attend free as usual.

"I love history," said Simon. "And I just love the fact that people are keeping history alive through living history and by buying military vehicles and displaying them.

"I think it's just wonderful and admire these people so much. In their own way they are paying tribute to those who served in the wars. Indeed many of them were in the armed forces."

Simon, a former Welsh Guardsman, was severely burned in June 1982 when the RFA ship Sir Galahad was bombed in Bluff Cove. As a result of his injuries he has undergone more than 70 operations and has had to cope with severe psychological trauma.

Since then he has written books, campaigned for numerous charities and built a first class reputation as an inspirational speaker. Today he is also a businessman working on a range of projects.

"What appeals to me about the War and Peace Show is the emphasis on peace - people dressing up in 1940s clothing, land army girls, how people coped with rationing, children in old fashioned prams dressed up for the period. I just love all that. It's nice that's it's done in an entertaining way, not glorifying or glamorising war but making it interesting.

"To look at the scale of the Show I just thought: ‘Wow'. I've been to military shows where there have been a few vehicles and one or two living history displays. But something of this size is amazing."

Simon said it's important that the sacrifice made by so many servicemen in the Falklands should never be forgotten. "The recognition by the War and Peace Show will go a long way to ensuring this doesn't happen," he said.

The sentiment was echoed by Rex Cadman, organiser of the War and Peace Show. "We have always paid tribute to our Second World War veterans," he said.  "But it's important that we don't forget the men who died or were wounded in later conflicts.

"We are planning a major display at this year's show to mark the Falklands War anniversary."

The War and Peace Show is the biggest military extravaganza in the world. It features the biggest display of historic military vehicles on the planet, a vast range of living history displays, 1940s entertainments and fashions, breath taking arena displays and acres of militaria stalls.

For further information please contact: Peter Cook, 01795 536915 or 07796 172680 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Jacqui Curtis, marketing manager The Hop Farm, 01622 870804 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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