Military trucks, poems and music at forces weekend

Owners of former military vehicles said their display in Staffordshire would "bring history to life".

Members of the Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) are among participants at the National Memorial Arboretum's Armed Forces Weekend in Alrewas on 27 and 28 June.

It aims to bring about 15 vehicles, including some used in World War Two and 1950s vehicles, as well as Land Rovers and motorbikes.

The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), which is marking its 25th year, said the weekend has free entry, and attractions include live music and commemorative events.

An NMA spokesperson there will a "packed programme of free live music, interactive activities and entertainment for all ages, as we come together to recognise and celebrate the armed forces community".

The weekend is among 130 local events supported by Ministry of Defence grant funding, they added.

The MVT said its display would be a "striking focal point" for the thousands of visitors at the event where its members could also engage with veterans, serving personnel and their families.

"As vehicle owners this event is hugely satisfying especially when a veteran comes up to you and says 'I remember driving one of these' or other experiences," said Neill Elliott, one of the MVT organisers.

The MVT has 6,500 members in about 40 regions.

"We are people who have a passion for restoring, driving and displaying ex-military vehicles dating from World War One to the present day," he said.

Some members take their vehicles into schools and they are also taken to different shows across the country.

Neill Martin-Hoare, head of events at the arboretum, said: "The knowledge and enthusiasm shared by trust members always helps bring history to life for visitors of all ages, making the display a valued part of the event."

It will be the trust's fourth year at the arboretum's Armed Forces Weekend.

The logistics of getting some of the older vehicles from different parts of the country can be a "mammoth task", said Elliott.

He added he was grateful for people's support, including the owners of two lorry low-loaders, including one bringing 1950s vehicles from Wiltshire.

Entertainment at the event will include The Heath Belles performing "nostalgic tunes from decades past" and poets and songwriters from within the armed forces community, said the NMA. The family zone features a soft play area and arts and crafts.

On Saturday 27th, members from the Ride to the Wall team will be presenting money raised from its in support of the arboretum last October, which involved thousands of bikers.

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