19th – 23rd July 2016
Folkestone Racecourse, Stone St, Hythe, CT21 4HX
This summer I attended the War and Peace Revival for the first time, which takes place in Hythe, Kent. The event which describes itself as ‘The greatest celebration of military history and vintage lifestyle in the world’ is spread across the length and breadth of Folkestone Racecourse. A huge setting filled with so many different aspects of history, it is a four day event so one day really wasn’t enough to fully appreciate it all. However, one day was all I had.
After arriving, we quickly parked up, which considering the number of people attending, was simple and well organised. We started the long walk through the grounds. It was an incredibly hot day and with barely any shade on the racecourse, it made the walk quite a chore. They do have a shuttle bus which you can jump onto, unfortunately we only found out about this at the end of the day.
If you do walk through, the first thing you encounter are the Living History exhibits. The event is full of amazing Living History groups recreating scenes from the last 70 years of warfare.
The men and women clearly love their art and authenticity is key. This section of the Revival is a great opportunity to learn about the different aspects of military conflict by being immersed in the experience. The sounds, smells and attention to detail catapults you into that time period. It was lovely to see so many children at the Revival, clearly interested and learning about history and these living history exhibits are such an amazing way for them to become history fans.
Continuing up to the main arena we passed some fabulous classic cars and a full-sized replica Spitfire, Hurricane and The Messerschmitt Bf 109.
The main arena events start at 10am each morning and finish at 5pm. There was always something happening, from parades to an Elvis tribute act. There was also comedy and burlesque. Authors were signing their books and experts were demonstrating throughout the day. There was something for everyone.
There were lots of trade stalls set up with everything from uniforms to model making kits.
The Vintage Market Place had many recognisable brands as well as true vintage stalls.
My favourite part of the show was the WWII Home Front Area. The ‘Victory Living History Group’ created their own fictional village of Trentham to bring to the Revival. The re-enactors and displays really took you into the world of World War Two living. The high street, complete with shops, a theatre and the local pub were just fabulous. When we entered the pub the ‘locals’ were having a sing song and one gentleman told me that I’d just missed him win the nobbly knees competition! Demonstrations of wartime cookery were held in the Home Front Marquee and you could learn about ‘Make do and Mend’ and have a go at the weekly wash. There was a salon where vintage hair and beauty tips were being dished out and even a fashion show.
Vintage vehicles adorn the sight making the village seem real. A woman with a tabard and tray of teas passed us and sat down for a chat with some members of the public. It was a wonderful example of how living history brings the past alive and makes it accessible to all.
As we left the arena a gorgeous Shire horse, Hercules was walking around a parade ring with land girls leading him. We learnt that Hercules was descended from warhorses with two of his uncles being requisitioned for the war during 1914.
The revival in itself was extremely interesting and the enthusiasm of the re-enactors was simply brilliant. My friend and I had dressed for the occasion and felt completely at home in the Home Front arena. However, the event in itself is quite a casual affair with most people in shorts and t-shirt. I found it to be a very military-interests based show attended by artillery/vehicle/model/uniform enthusiasts rather than a vintage lifestyle festival as such. Nonetheless, it does do ‘what it says on the tin’ and was an enjoyable and interesting day.
