All you need to know before visiting TANKFEST 2024. To make it easier to find what you need, we’ve separated recurring queries into sections.
When is TANKFEST?
28-30 June 2024.
What time does the event open?
The TANKFEST site is open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm. Car parks open at 7.30am.
Can I buy my ticket on the day?
TANKFEST is usually a sell-out event. We would recommend purchasing in advance, as tickets are usually not available on the door.
Can I use my Annual Pass for admission to TANKFEST?
TANKFEST is a ‘Special Event day’ – therefore Annual Passes are not valid.
Can I enter the Museum at TANKFEST without a TANKFEST ticket?
No, the Museum is part of the TANKFEST event, you will need a TANKFEST ticket to enter the Museum on that date.
If I book a TANKFEST ticket before the event and want to visit the Museum prior to the event, when does my Annual Pass start?
If your Annual Pass is from a dated event/experience, such as Behind the Scenes or TANKFEST, your Annual Pass starts from the date of that event/experience. You can use it up to 30 days prior to that date. If you want to visit more than 30 days before the event/experience, you will have to purchase a normal admission ticket.
I can’t print my ticket?
If you are unable to print your ticket, please have it clearly displayed on a smartphone or similar for the admissions team to see to gain entry to the event.
Is there a saving for groups?
We will not be offering a group rate for TANKFEST 2024.
I’m coming with a group and someone else has bought all our tickets.
All visitors covered by an e-ticket must arrive and be admitted together – duplicate tickets are not permitted. You will need to organise to meet outside of the event and all come in together.
What is the cost for the Military and their families?
MOD90 card holders are required to purchase tickets for this event. Standard event admission prices will apply and tickets must be purchased in advance. We do not accept Defence Discount Cards on ticket purchases.
Is TANKFEST an outdoor event?
Yes, the event takes place outside, please be prepared for all weather fronts. Don’t forget your sunscreen and your rain coat/ umbrella! Please check the weather ahead of your visit and dress appropriately.
Is there seating in the arena?
You can find a space on the grassy slope that encompasses the arena to watch the displays. While you can use camping chairs, we recommend you do not as it obscures the view of others around you and is no guarantee you will be able to see. You can either stand or sit on the grass, but if you are standing please consider those around you. Grandstand seating upgrades will be available later in the year.
Am I allowed to bring my dog to TANKFEST?
Regrettably, dogs are not allowed onsite, with the exception of disability assistance dogs, and registered Support Dogs with documentation. We ask owners not to leave dogs in their vehicles. During TANKFEST the site is not suitable for dogs.
Which tanks will be on show/ in the arena?
See the programme for the full list of vehicles on display in the show.
Is there a cash machine onsite?
Yes, there is a free cash machine inside the main Museum building. As we only have one cash machine, please bring plenty of cash in case it is busy. Most vendors onsite will only be able to accept cash payments only.
Can I come along dressed as a soldier?
No, unless you are a member of one of the re-enactor groups participating in TANKFEST as part of our Living History encampments. If you are not a participant or serving soldier, you will be refused admission to TANKFEST if you are dressed in military uniform.
Is there a secure location to leave luggage?
There is a cloakroom service in the main museum shop, larger items can be stored for £3 per item on a first come first serve basis.
Are catering facilities available?
In addition to the Museum café within the Cold War Hall, there is a wide selection of caterer’s onsite, located outside the Museum serving an array of hot and cold food to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. There will also be bars serving a range of local beers and more, so you can enjoy your tanks with a pint.
External Caterers:
- Baboo Gelato – includes exclusive TANKFEST flavour, Explosive Mint – with chocolate coated popping candy
- Jurassic Cottage Foods – sandwiches and snacks
- Long Johns Fish & Chips
- Tea with Martha – a range of baking and hot and cold drinks
- Gourmet Kebab – fresh kebabs with meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options
- UK Bratwurst Company – award winning German sausages
- Mexbox – burritos, nachos and chilli dogs, including vegetarian options
- Grounded Coffee – coffee and baked goods
- Dorset Grill – roast pork roll, burgers, hot dogs, and more
- Funky Fries – loaded fries with a range of toppings, including vegetarian options
- Suzette’s Pancakes – hand-cooked pancakes with sweet or savoury fillings
- Styles Farmhouse Ice-Cream
- Ultimate Gourmet Burger Company – range of burgers, including vegetarian and gluten free options
- The Dorset Carvery – roast pork or gammon rolls, burgers, and more, including vegan options
- The Donut Factory
- Collectors Coffee House – hot drinks and pastries, including gluten free and vegan options
- Cornwall Pasty Co – hot pasties and drinks, including vegetarian options
Are there any site safety rules?
Please be aware of the following:
- There is uneven ground on parts of the site
- Grass areas can be slippery when wet
- Site is dusty
- There will be loud explosions and pyrotechnics used throughout the day
- Regrettably dogs are not allowed on site
- Children must be accompanied by parent(s)/ Guardians(s) at all times
- The Living History Area can include hazards. Please be extra vigilant towards our own safety.
- As a condition of entry, visitors may be subject to a search.
Will there be bag searches and extra security at TANKFEST?
In response to the upgraded national threat level, security has been increased at TANKFEST. There will be bag searches conducted on entry to TANKFEST, so please keep any baggage to a minimum.
Please also note that the only pre-approved re-enactors and serving soldiers are permitted to wear military uniforms at the event. Any visitor wearing military uniforms without prior consent will not be allowed entry.
What items are prohibited from TANKFEST?
Knives, replica or real weapons, laser pens, fireworks, legal and illegal highs, and alcohol are not permitted and will be confiscated. You can collect these items at the end when you leave. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the event – The Tank Museum’s alcohol license does not cover beverages brought onto site.
How do I get to The Tank Museum?
Have a look at our Getting Here page.
Where can I stay in the Dorset area, close to The Tank Museum?
There is a variety of accommodation in the local area, with hotels, B&B’s or camp sites, check accommodation provider websites like TripAdvisor for more information. We usually recommend looking into the area surrounding Weymouth, Wareham, Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth due to the ease of accessibility to public transport to the Museum. Find out more here.
Is there Disabled Parking?
Yes, there is disabled parking at TANKFEST. Either display your blue badge or get in touch with the events team on events@tankmuseum.org in order to acquire a parking pass (subject to availability). This will give you access to the reserved disabled parking area. One of these passes MUST be on display in order to access the disabled parking reserved areas.
Please note that the disabled parking is located on grass, on the sports pitch to the right hand side of the Linsay Road entrance to The Tank Museum. This parking is located directly opposite the Main Admissions Point, so is the closest point to the Museum. You will have access to the fast track admissions access in order to prevent standing around in queues for periods of time.
Is there a charge for the car parking at TANKFEST?
No, car parking is free at TANKFEST.
Where can I be dropped off and picked up at the event?
There is a dedicated taxi/vehicle drop off and pick up point close to the entrance. Find information about local taxi companies here.
Is the event accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Yes, there are lifts and/or ramps available in the main Museum & Vehicle Conservation Centre. Please note some of the indoor and outdoor surfaces around site are uneven.
There is also a Disabled Viewing Area.
The TANKFEST site covers a vast area of the Museum’s surrounding grounds and therefore covers a large area. It is advised that if you find it difficult to walk for long periods of time, that you bring means to assist you.
Please find additional accessibility information here.
Is there Disabled Parking?
Yes, there is disabled parking at TANKFEST. Either display your blue badge or get in touch with the events team on events@tankmuseum.org in order to acquire a parking pass (subject to availability). This will give you access to the reserved disabled parking area. One of these passes MUST be on display in order to access the disabled parking reserved areas.
Please note that the disabled parking is located on grass, on the sports pitch to the right hand side of the Linsay Road entrance to The Tank Museum. This parking is located directly opposite the Main Admissions Point, so is the closest point to the Museum. You will have access to the Premium Admissions in order to prevent standing around in queues for periods of time.
I or a member of my party struggle with busy and loud events. How can you help?
TANKFEST is a loud and busy event, but we recommend the following to make it more comfortable for our visitors. We have a free-to-use Wellbeing Room located behind the Shop, equipped with a sofa, children’s books, and a sink, where you can take a quiet moment away from the event. You can also borrow a free sensory backpack, which includes ear defenders, magnifying glass, book, squeezy toy, torch, periscope, and Commander Basil bear, from the Main Admissions desk inside the Museum. The Vehicle Conservation Centre can often be a quiet and cool place to explore if the Museum and outdoor area is crowded. We do recommend the use of ear defenders during the display for those who struggle with loud noises.
Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Call 01929 405096 or contact us via the form below.
