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Might of military on show at War and Peace Revival at Folkestone Racecourse as Coldred couple set to tie knot

The greatest gathering of military vehicles on the planet rolls into Kent today.

The War and Peace Revival returns to Folkestone Racecourse, near Hythe, for this year's event which commemorates 100 years since the start of the First World War.

From today until Sunday, visitors will flock to the annual show - which features battle re-enactments and arena events, vintage entertainment, civilian displays from the 1930s to the 1960s including the Home Front, the Land Army and vintage fashion.

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The launch of the War and Peace Revival at Folkestone Racecourse
The launch of the War and Peace Revival at Folkestone Racecourse

And today one couple, from Coldred, are going to get married in a 1941-style wedding.

Julie Parker and Andy Kennett will tie the knot in period clothing - with some guests even wearing gas masks - to the sound of a swing band.

Each evening the roads of Hythe and Seabrook will be filled with specially assembled convoys taking a 10-mile circular drive to Hythe, Seabrook, and returning to the Racecourse.

Event organiser Rex Cadman said: "These convoys are quite spectacular and will give residents and visitors the chance to see some incredible military vehicles from all over the world.

"Each evening has a different theme, with different vehicles taking part. Come along to watch and wave as the parade passes by."

Young and old are set to enjoy the greatest gathering of military vehicles on the planet
Young and old are set to enjoy the greatest gathering of military vehicles on the planet

The convoys will set off from the racecourse at 7pm each evening. Those who are camping have access to exclusive on-site entertainment on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

On Wednesday the Victory Marquee will resound with the hits of several eras including Motown, psychedelia, rock and roll and protest songs, while Thursday night’s fun features Folkestone and Deal Rock and Roll Club and live acts This Little Girl and the Dillicats.

The revival is commemorating several anniversaries falling in 2014: the centenary of the start of the First World War, the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War and the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the huge airborne operations including the Arnhem offensive as the Allies pushed to Berlin to crush the Nazi occupation of Europe.

This year will also feature an authentic replica of a First World War trench network, designed by historical reenactment company Ancient Wisdom.

Action at the War and Peace Revival at Folkestone Racecourse last year
Action at the War and Peace Revival at Folkestone Racecourse last year

Chief designer Stephen Abs Wisdom said: "Our trench features authentic construction, an officer’s dug-out and even an unfortunate victim of a previous bombardment, slowly decaying into the millions of muddy pools that formed in shell craters across the Western front."

Mr Cadman added: "Each year during the next five years we want to create a unique display that educates the young."

Video: The opening day of the War and Peace Revival

There will also be several evening events on during the five-day show including a jive night with the Jive Aces and a 1940s themed dinner and dance night with the John Miller Band, nephew of the famous Glenn Miller.

Over the Saturday and Sunday, reservists from the 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (The Tigers) will be performing a tactical demonstrations using modern weapon systems in a fictional scenario as the racecourse comes ‘under attack’.

For more information about what is happening and tickets visit www.thewarandpeacerevival.co.uk or call 01304 813945 or 01304 813337.

For more on the War and Peace Show, see your What's On guide inside your paid-for KM Group newspaper.


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