Commemorate the 65th anniversary of VE Day at Fort Nelson - Tuesday, 4 May 2010
A free day of commemorations to mark the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day will be held at Fort Nelson on Saturday, May 8.
As well as exciting gun firings, performances by uniformed actors and special guided tours throughout the day to view the great guns of World War II, there will also be the rare chance to discover the part played by the Fort in wartime.
To mark the occasion, visitors will hear the explosive and impressive roar of a two-gun battery, as uniformed gunners fire crashing salvoes in a salute to victory at 12noon and 3pm.
There will also be dramatic performances by the Royal Armouries’ professional, uniformed actors telling the true stories of those who lived through the conflict. These include the words of Sqn Ldr Geoff Wellum, who shares his hair-raising experiences flying his Spitfire in a daring mission above the Solent or Bill Sparkes – a Royal Marine based in Eastney, Portsmouth – the last of the Cockleshell Heroes.
The Royal Armouries is one of the few organisations to regularly mark the anniversary, highlighting the nation’s immense debt of gratitude to those who liberated Europe from Nazi tyranny 65 years ago.
The Royal Armouries in Fareham, houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections, with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated from HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
Museum entry is free and there is a whole range of attractions, designed to appeal to young and old alike, including secret underground tunnels and chambers to explore.
For details of all forthcoming Fort Nelson events – including children’s school holiday events on Tuesdays and Thursdays – visit the website at www.royalarmouries.org
…ENDS…
Media contact
Joss Loader
Primary PR Ltd.
Tel: 07838 379599
Email: info@primarypr.co.uk
Notes to editors
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.
- Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
- Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
- Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
- Admission charges apply to some events.
- Information line: 01329 233734
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
- The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.