Victory Show 2025

A Weekend in History: Our Visit to the Military Victory Show, Leicester – 2025

This past weekend, we had the privilege of attending the Military Victory Show in Leicester—an extraordinary, three-day celebration of military history that has rapidly become one of the UK’s premier events for re-enactment enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. Held annually on the grounds of a working farm, this immersive event blends authenticity, organisation, community spirit, and spectacle in a way that few others can match.

What makes the Military Victory Show truly unique is not just its sheer scale or the attention to historical detail, but the heart and passion behind it. The land it’s hosted on is owned by the show’s hosts themselves—a dedicated family who open up their farm and vast fields for this incredible gathering. And they don’t do it alone. Their efforts are deeply supported by the surrounding local community, many of whom eagerly anticipate this weekend all year round. It’s no exaggeration to say that during the show, this corner of Leicester becomes a buzzing hub for thousands of people from across the country, all converging to step back in time and celebrate a shared fascination with military heritage.

First impressions count—and from the moment we approached the venue, it was clear that this was going to be a well-oiled operation. A steady stream of vehicles was directed with precision into a vast car park, handled seamlessly by a team of smiling volunteers. Many of these were young army and military cadets, who gave up their own time to ensure the success of the show. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated youths contributing to the experience, greeting attendees with enthusiasm, discipline, and professionalism. Their presence added a genuine sense of pride and purpose to the weekend.

Once inside, it quickly became apparent that we weren’t just at an event—we were stepping into a living museum. Every direction we turned was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of wartime history. One of the key draws of the Military Victory Show is its incredible array of traders. Stall after stall was filled with genuine and replica military hardware, uniforms, personal kit, memorabilia, and artefacts that spanned decades. From vintage radios and ammunition boxes to medals, ration books, and classic army surplus, it was a treasure trove for collectors and historians.

What stood out was the passion and knowledge of the traders themselves. Many had fascinating stories behind their pieces, and were more than willing to share insights and anecdotes that brought the objects to life.

Alongside the military stalls were displays and traders with interests rooted firmly in the Second World War era—vintage clothing, wartime homeware, period literature, and even civilian artefacts that painted a complete picture of the 1940s lifestyle both on the front lines and back home.

While the static displays and traders were impressive, the true soul of the Military Victory Show lies in its hundreds of re-enactors. These dedicated individuals came from across the UK and beyond, camping out over the entire three-day event to create an unforgettable, immersive experience. It’s no understatement to say their efforts are what bring the past to life.

Every re-enactor was dressed in authentic, historically accurate uniforms, carrying weapons and gear suitable for their regiment or theatre of war. From British Tommies and American GIs to German soldiers and Soviet troops, the level of detail in each uniform was simply staggering. Everything—from the stitching on their jackets to the mud on their boots—spoke of a commitment to authenticity.

And it didn’t stop at appearance. Each re-enactor group constructed entire camps, complete with period-correct tents, field kitchens, radios, equipment, and even makeshift HQs. Walking through these encampments was like stepping through time, with many re-enactors fully in character, happy to explain their roles, demonstrate their kit, and share stories about the soldiers they portrayed.

If walking among the living history displays was impressive, the battle re-enactments were simply jaw-dropping.

Over the course of the weekend, various staged battles took place, each carefully choreographed and historically informed. The finale battle, involving hundreds of re-enactors, was a full-scale spectacle. From the crack of rifle fire to the thunder of machine guns and the roar of tanks, it was like being dropped into the middle of a Second World War battlefield.

Pyrotechnic effects added a visceral realism—explosions rocked the ground, smoke filled the air, and cries from advancing troops echoed across the fields. The inclusion of armoured vehicles, artillery guns, troop carriers, jeeps, and tanks elevated the entire experience, turning it into something far beyond just a re-enactment. It was a cinematic, adrenaline-fuelled recreation of warfare that left spectators stunned and appreciative of the sacrifices made by real soldiers throughout history.

Despite the intensity, everything was conducted with the utmost respect, accuracy, and safety—a testament to the organisers' meticulous planning and deep reverence for history.

Just when we thought the show couldn’t get any more memorable, the skies above Leicester delivered a spectacular encore. A pair of legendary aircraft—the Douglas C-47 Dakota and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire—took off from nearby fields and gave us a display to remember.

The Spitfire, with its unmistakable elliptical wings and roaring Merlin engine, danced across the sky in sweeping arcs and low passes, reminding everyone of the bravery and skill of the RAF during WWII. The Dakota, meanwhile, soared with a quiet grace, evoking the airborne missions and paratrooper drops of D-Day. Unlike the short aerial displays we often see at airshows, these planes remained in the air for what felt like a truly generous and prolonged salute to the crowd below.

For many, especially the younger visitors seeing these aircraft in action for the first time, it was a deeply moving and awe-inspiring moment.

Let’s not forget one of the most pleasant surprises of the entire weekend: the food. Often at large events, food can be a rushed afterthought—but not here. The catering was genuinely excellent, with a diverse range of offerings, each run by vendors who clearly take pride in their work.

Whether you were after a hearty full English breakfast, a classic bacon butty, or something more gourmet like pulled pork, artisan pies, or locally sourced burgers, everything was fresh, well-cooked, and plentiful. Even the tea and coffee stalls went above and beyond, and the wartime-themed cakes and treats were a lovely nod to the period.

Clearly, someone involved in the planning knows what they're doing when it comes to food—and understands that an army really does march on its stomach.

As the sun set on the final day of the Military Victory Show, there was a palpable sense of satisfaction, camaraderie, and reflection. This is not just a military show—it’s a community-driven, history-honouring, multi-sensory experience that manages to entertain, educate, and inspire in equal measure.

Thanks to the dedication of the hosts, the support of their neighbours, the energy of the cadet volunteers, the expertise of traders, the commitment of re-enactors, and the professional organisation behind the scenes, this event has earned its reputation as one of the must-see historical shows in the UK.

The good news? It’s coming back in 2026, and it promises to be even bigger, better, and more immersive. If you missed it this year, don’t make the same mistake twice. Book early, bring your camera, wear sturdy boots, and prepare to be transported back in time.

History lives on at the Military Victory Show. Don’t just read about it—experience it.