Tankfest event at Bovington draws crowds

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-28072432

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Vintage tanks and current military vehicles have been in action at this year's Tankfest in Dorset.

More than 13,000 visitors are expected to attend the weekend event at the Bovington Tank Museum.

The annual rally showcases the museum's world-renowned collection of tanks and military vehicles, along with those held in private collections.

The first day coincided with Armed Forces Day and current military personnel took part in some displays.

The arena events also included a salute to the 70th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the Allies ill-fated attempt to enter Germany over the Lower Rhine in 1944, as well an appearance from a World War Two P-51 Mustang fighter plane.

The Bovington attraction is the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment and Royal Armoured Corps.

It displays vehicles used by the British Army as well as foreign forces.

Tanks from the museum's collection, including the Valentine DD, Tiger 131, Comet and Panzer III were also shown in action in the arena.

Contemporary combat vehicles including the Challenger 2 tank and Titan armoured engineering vehicle were also put through their paces by army units.

The event is popular with military re-enactment groups with visitors travelling from as far as Australia and the USA.

Museum spokesman Andrew Sawyer said: "Tankfest is without question the world's premier display of historic moving armour; the range and quantity of armour on display here simply can't be matched."

The event continues until Sunday.