Nottinghamshire’s Centenary programme, Trent to Trenches, will include a “commemorative living history event” on the 100th anniversary of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination.
Trent to Trenches: Rufford’s Great War Centenary Weekend, will be held at Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire, on the 28th-29th June 2014.
It is being staged by EventPlan Limited on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
The weekend is a highlight of Nottinghamshire’s Centenary programme, which was announced in 2013, and will include exhibitions around the county and in the city of Nottingham.
Re-enactments will be a part of the Centenary weekend
The weekend will consider the evolution of Britain’s war effort from the small professional and reservist force in 1914, to the “mighty and victorious citizen army” of 1918.
Military re-enactements of British First World War infantrymen and mounted lancers will take place, with military encampments being erected which the public can explore to “see how members of the armed forces lived behind the lines”.
The experiences of those on the Home Front – including those on anti-zeppelin duty, firemen, girl guides and the Women’s Institute – will also be explored.
Girl Guides of the 1st Lenconfield Girl Guide Compay
Interactive events will allow visitors to use a soldiers’ drill, try on puttees (lower leg wrappings) or a trench shell coat. A special Punch and Judy show will see Mr. Punch “do battle with the Kaiser”, which will be contrasted with the chance to listen to wartime music, song and poetry.
A series of talks will also take place, including one on zeppelin raids and the 1916 raid on Nottingham, as well as the use of tanks and fashion on the Home Front.
The events will be accompanied stalls in keeping with the theme of the First World War.
The event runs from 11:00am – 4:30pm on the 28th and 29th June 2013 at Rufford Abbey Park. Admission is free.
To find out more about the weekend, please click here.
Source: Event Plan press release
Images courtesy of Event Plan
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News