Finally the single event that justified our entire trip to England arrived, the renowned Tankfest. It’s everything the name implies, a festival of military tanks, and it happens only once a year on the grounds of the Tank Museum in Bovington (map). This is what the younger kid wanted as a high school graduation present and this is what the kid got. Well, even if it was a year later than expected.
Let me start by saying that I know next to nothing about tanks or warfare and that will become readily apparent in this narrative. However, my lame YouTube video shows the underlying premise of the event. Just imagine the entire history of military tanks from World War One through the present, boiled down into six hours of continuous motion.
So tanks roll past, with the growl of diesel engines and clouds of billowing dust, sometimes engaging in mock battles complete with infantry reenactors. Thousands of people attend over three days. However, we attended only the first day since the show repeats daily. One day was enough for 75% our family group.
Pre-Show
Actually, the grounds opened a couple of hours before the show began. That lets people hopefully avoid traffic getting onto the grounds as well as look at some tanks close-up. We got there pretty early and we still sat in traffic for about a half-hour. There are so few roads leading in to this rural area it seems almost preordained. But we still had plenty of time to explore the “Tank Park” where they staged tanks before the main event.
Morning Programme
We had unusually wonderful weather the entire week leading up to Tankfast. So of course it was overcast, chilly, a bit windy, and sometimes even drizzly. Typical England. Unfortunately I dressed like the rest of the week. I did bring more appropriate clothing but the weather was so beautiful all week I ignored the obvious and it lulled me into complacency. Well, now I own a very nice Tankfest fleece that I bought during a break in the action.
Show Opening and World War One
The show began with several modern tanks roaring around the arena to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck“. Honestly that didn’t surprise me at all. I might have been surprised if they’d chosen a different song. Isn’t that the obvious standard for just about any event like this?
But then World War One began and it started with a mock battle. Tanks of that era were so weird and they moved agonizingly slow, basically at walking speed. In a practical sense they served more as moving shields for infantry. Originally they were called “Landships” and they looked that way too. It was amazing to see how quickly they advanced and improved.
The Evolution of British Armour
Case in point, the next session featured the interwar period. Someone could look at a vehicle like this and say, “oh, that’s a tank”. It looked the part. Also note the big television screen in the background. The field was rather large so it was difficult to see action on the far side. Strategically placed cameras and screens made sure nobody missed anything important.
World War Two
Then we moved into World War Two for the final morning session. This one featured a bunch of tanks from the collection representing both sides of the war. British, American, Soviet, and German tanks rolled along paths and over a bridge constructed in the middle of the arena. All these movements allowed us to view vehicles in motion from every distinct angle.
Afternoon Programme
Then came a generous lunch break. The site included a large food truck area that offered numerous choices. Of course, everyone went there at the same time and the lines grew long. Even so, the break lasted an hour and a half, and we had plenty of time to eat. Plus, there was a merchandise area with all kinds of tank-related items and various militaria. I already had my fleece so I didn’t need anything more.
WW2 Battle Reenactment
Next came another mock battle, this time focusing specifically on 1944 in Northwestern Europe. The setup involved German troops attempting to ambush an Allied patrol in the weeks following the Normandy invasion. The tanks themselves didn’t fire. Rather, controlled pyrotechnic explosives placed in the field beforehand mimicked shells landing. I guess they didn’t want to risk damaging their museum-quality artifacts, which is understandable. There were still a lot of explosions and smoke, along with plenty of light-arms fire, so I don’t think anyone minded.
Celebrating the Centurion
Centurions became the primary British Army’s battle tank in the decades immediately following World War Two. They quickly gained a reputation for design excellence and operation. Anyway, there were several variations and a lot of them ran around the arena on display during this particular session.
The Cold War
The next session brought the crowd deep into the Cold War era. Tanks evolved rapidly during this period as Western and Soviet forces faced-off against each other in Europe.
I think this was about the time my wife dozed off as we watched from the grandstand. I’m not sure how someone can fall asleep with the noise and the dust and the smoke, but apparently it’s possible. She’d been a good sport all day during an event that didn’t really interest her so we didn’t hold it against her. The rest of us kept watching attentively.
Modern Warfare
Finally we reached the modern era. This involved vehicles used today by the British Army’s Royal Armoured Corps. They have their headquarters at nearby Bovington Camp which probably also explains the Tank Museum location too. This was a chance to observe simulated modern battlefield tactics. Earlier in the day we also talked with an active duty soldier at the Tank Park which was equally fascinating.
Most everyone in the audience remained until the very end. No doubt, some spectators probably came back on Day 2 and Day 3 to watch it all over again.
Tank Museum
After the show, the Tank Museum remained open for another hour and a half. We felt it was a good opportunity to see even more tanks and avoid the traffic heading out. I enjoyed the experience — and I know our younger kid was delighted — although I think I’ve seen enough tanks for awhile.
Articles in the England Series
- Do Over
- Jurassic Coast
- Dorchester
- Bristol
- Isle of Purbeck
- Bournemouth
- Tankfest
- Onward to London
- Atypical London
- More Typical London
See Also: The Complete Photo Album on Flickr
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