The War and Peace Revival 2017 made a welcome return to Hop Farm, from the 25th to 29th of July.  The world’s largest military vehicle and living history show proved to be a great success despite some rain at times. We will start with the Jeeps, as always a great display of WW2 Jeeps, prototypes to the standard WW2 Jeep. Moving on to trucks, motorcycles, tanks, the arena and living history.

War and Peace Revival 2017 show report overview

Military vehicles were out in force representing the armies of the 20th Century from around the world including tanks, armoured and amphibious vehicles, jeeps, artillery, trucks and motorcycles.  All vehicles are lovingly restored to their former glory by dedicated enthusiasts who are always willing to share the fascinating stories behind their vehicles.

The arena was the focal point of the show with a constant programme that features battle re-enactments, vehicle competitions and demonstrations. Heavy armour, artillery and troops moved in to position as the arena turned into an explosive battle ground with re-enactments of battles from WW1 to more recent conflicts.

Living History Groups provide a unique picture of life in conflict with depictions from WW1 to the present. Using original and accurate reproduction equipment the living history scenes groups include British troops living in trenches, GIs in Vietnam, The D-Day support convoy ‘Red Ball Express’, US Army Rangers and Delta’s in the battle of Mogadishu and WW2 German units in the field.  The attention to detail is stunning and the level of historical knowledge each member possesses about the unit represented adds a valued educational aspect to the displays.

The Home Front is where the WW2 village of Trentham, a fictitious village located ‘’somewhere in England’’ could be found.  Displays and vehicles centered around a village high street and the various shops showing the products that were available at the time.  The Home Front Marquee with demonstrations such as wartime cookery and making the most out of rations, hair and beauty tips from a top wartime London salon. 

Hundreds of trade stalls gave collectors and shoppers the opportunity to browse through trade stands packed full of treasures including militaria, antiquities, vehicle parts, books, memorabilia, clothing and uniforms and all manner of essential finds for the discerning enthusiast – everything from a shirt button to a tank!

The ‘Britain at War Victory Marquee’ with all its elegance bringing the 1940s to life with the best family entertainment from the mid-20th Century.  With a super daily line-up of singers, dancers and comedians was the place to go for a proper old fashioned ‘knees-up’’. By night the Victory Marquee became the venue for the War and Peace Revival Variety Show with music, dancing and a star studded cast of some of the best acts around. The Spitfire Bar offered a lively alternative venue with bands and a resident DJ each night during the show.  For a quieter drink in surroundings with a classy ‘retro’ feel the ‘Gentleman’s Lounge’ is the place to relax and unwind.  

With thousands of visitors on each of the five days and the event returning to what many regard as the show’s ‘spiritual home’ and things are back as they should be, according to the visitors Classic Jeeps spoke to. Stepping back in time at the War and Peace Revival 2017 with Classic military vehicles, military history and vintage lifestyle, it was a great show with something for all the family.