TANKFEST Programme

The site opens at 8:30 for you to browse the The Tank Museum, trade stalls and living history encampments. The site closes at 18:00.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will see the main action in the arena, with unique displays of historic and modern armour from The Tank Museums collection, British Army and very special guests.

There will also be living history encampments, lectures from tank experts and demonstrations, traders and caterers throughout the site, and of course The Tank Museum to explore.

Please note this is subject to change, and all vehicles are subject to mechanical availability. 

TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
10:30

Official opening of TANKFEST 2023     

An explosive introduction to TANKFEST 2023 in The Tank Museum’s centenary year.      

Kuwait Arena
10:45

World War One – The First Tanks 

A display examining why the tank was developed, how it was used and the rapid emergence of anti-tank warfare. 

Kuwait Arena
11:10

1920s & 1930s – Experimentation & A New War 

Looking at the developments in tank and anti-tank technology and tactics which would be tested as the Second World War began. 

Kuwait Arena
11:40

World War Two – Lessons from the Desert War 

How the battles across North Africa saw a race between increasingly powerful anti-tank guns and the need for thicker armour. 

Kuwait Arena
12:15

World War Two – Quality Vs Quantity on the Eastern Front 

Size and sophistication meets volume and efficiency. Was the outcome ever in doubt? 

Kuwait Arena
12:30

Lunch Break

An opportunity to refuel and explore the site!

Kuwait Arena
14:00

World War Two – Armoured thrusts in North West Europe 

Arguably the zenith of armoured warfare, at the point where experienced units had mastered the numerous means to fight in and against tanks.    

Kuwait Arena
14:40

The Cold War – Suspicion & Stockpiling  

Mistrust saw tank development and production continue at pace after the war. Guns and fleets increased in size as superiority of threat was sought – but never truly tested.  

Kuwait Arena
15:20

Counter Insurgency – New Threats to AFVs 

Modern MBTs are designed for conventional warfare. The 2000s saw asymmetric warfare dramatically rebalance power on the battlefield – presenting new challenges and solutions. 

Kuwait Arena
15:45

British Army Display – Does the Tank have a Future? 

Against a demonstration of power by the Royal Armoured Corps, we’ll explain why the tank is as relevant now as ever – and that it will be so for years to come.  

Kuwait Arena
16:30

Display Ends

Kuwait Arena

Stage Programme

More speakers and timings to be announced soon! Timings subject to change. 

TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
09:15 - 10:00

Royal Armoured Corps Historian Dick Taylor – Topic TBC

Stage
10:15 - 11:00

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Whitchurch MBE – Tank Mobility

 

Stage
11:15 - 12:00

Models for Heroes Malcolm Childs – Small Hobby, Big Impact

Stage
12:15 - 13:00

Tank Museum Historian Stuart Wheeler – History of Bovington Camp

 

Stage
14:15 - 15:00

Journalist Kate Adie CBE DL – A Civilian View of Encountering Tanks in Action

 

Stage
15:15 - 16:00

Brickmania® Dan Siskind & Dilan Czech – The World of Custom Military LEGO® Builds

Stage

More speakers and timings to be announced soon! Timings subject to change. 

TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
09:15 - 10:00

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Whitchurch MBE – The Tank in Urban Battle

Stage
11:15 - 12:00

Dick Taylor – Topic TBC

Stage
12:15 - 13:00

Major General Patrick Cordingley – Bringing the Challenger into Service

Stage
13:15 - 14:00

Military History Historian Stephen Pope – The Tanks at Flers

Stage
14:15 - 15:00

Brickmania® Dan Siskind & Dilan Czech – The World of Custom Military LEGO® Builds

Stage
15:15 - 16:00

Models for Heroes Malcolm Childs – Small Hobby, Big Impact

Stage
16:15 - 17:00

Tank Museum Historian Stuart Wheeler – History of The Tank Museum

Stage

More speakers and timings to be announced soon! Timings subject to change. 

TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
10:15 - 11:00

Models for Heroes Malcolm Childs – Small Hobby, Big Impact

Stage
11:15 - 12:00

Tank Museum Historian Stuart Wheeler – History of the Gunnery School of Lulworth Camp

Stage
12:15 - 13:00

Brickmania® Dan Siskind & Dilan Czech – The World of Custom Military LEGO® Builds

Stage
13:15 - 14:00

Journalist Kate Adie CBE DL – A Civilian View of Encountering Tanks in Action

Stage
14:15 - 15:00

Dick Taylor – Topic TBC

Stage
15:15 - 16:00

Military History Historian Stephen Pope – The Tanks at Flers

Stage
17:15 - 18:00

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Whitchurch MBE – Tank Mobility

Stage

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