Visitors to the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey will be transported back to the 1940s to join the VE Day celebrations as part of a spectacular May Bank Holiday weekend event (May 3-5th).

The historic site, which played a key role in the Second World War, will be transformed with a series of both military and civilian experiences including street parties, air-raid shelters, jive dancing, songs of the period and battle demonstrations.

Visitors can explore the many living history camps and to talk to the re-enactment soldiers and discover what life was like during wartime as part of this weekend of celebration and remembrance.

There will be the opportunity to visit a 1940s general store, toy shop and kitchen, as well as experiencing an air raid warning and taking cover in an air raid shelter.

There will also be battle re-enactments between the allies and the axis soldiers on Sunday and Monday afternoon.

Among the highlights of the action-packed event will be the presence of the Hurricane and Spitfire which will be carrying out aerobatic displays on Sunday 4thand Monday 5th May respectively. (flyovers are weather permitting)

Royal Gunpowder Mills' Lance Bourne said: “The VE Day weekend is one of our largest events with a number of different re-enactment groups coming together over one weekend to celebrate one of the greatest moments in our history.

“The event also provides a fitting tribute to the courage and determination of the British people during wartime.

“To have the flyovers as part of the celebrations is a real coup and the aerial aerobatic displays, combined with all the other events and activities, will make it an unforgettable weekend of celebration and remembrance,” he added.

VE Day Event (May 3-5th 2014),

• Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY.
• Open 10am-5pm (Last Admission 3.30pm)
• Adults £9.50 Children (3-16) £7.50, Under 3's FREE, Concessions £8.50
• Telephone 01992 707370
• www.royalgunpowdermills.com.
• Issued by the Royal Gunpowder Mills. For more information please contact Lance Bourne on 01992 707330.

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For further information please contact:

Melodie Manners

Tel: 01209 822194

Email: melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk