Re-eneactors enjoy life on the Holme Front

‘Life On The Holme Front’, now in its 12th year, has become a hugely popular event in the 1940s’ calendar for many of those who like to take the opportunity to dress up, pull on a military uniform or brush down the gladrags and re-live life as a soldier from various armies, or as a civilian.

The cold and drizzle on Saturday could not begin to deter the many hardy souls from the various re-enactor groups putting on a stunning show of weaponry, noises, bangs and firepower, while thousands of visitors mingled among the many tents and marquees selling food, clothes and anything associated with times gone by.

Visitors could take advantage of rides on tanks, Humvees and a variety of military vehicles of various ages, as well as an excellent display of classic civilian cars.

Children were getting camouflage paint on their faces and tasting food made from strange ingredients such as powdered egg and bread and dripping, while history lessons were given for free so that the impact of the event was not lost on them.

Parents were not forgotten either, with dozens of stalls selling everything from military memorabilia - so that the very few who were not already dressed up could buy equipment ready for next year - to 1940s’ food, household goods and a myriad of collectables.

As always, the highlight of the event was the wonderfully organised Saturday evening dance in the Village Hall, the tickets for which were sold out days in advance of the event, which saw hundreds of couples dressed in stunning 1940s’ attire dancing the night away to the sounds of Vera Lynn, Benny Goodman, The Andrews Sisters, Count Basie and the timeless music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

As the sun rose on a dry Sunday morning, the many re-enactors who had spent a chilly night under canvas stretched and looked forward to a busy Sunday, while everywhere there was the sound of bacon sizzling and the smell of toast, tea and coffee.

Organisers Christopher and Thomas Cardell were more than pleased with the visitor numbers which may yet beat last year’s figure of more than 17,000 attendees.

They said: “All the car parks were all full on both days. And for the first time ever we’ve had to open up a second overflow car park on the Sunday, as those who didn’t venture out on Saturday made up for lost time by coming in huge numbers on Sunday.”