A SPOT of drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits of crowds who turned up in their thousands to Lacock at War over the weekend.

Now in its fifth year, the weekend-long show organised by the West Wilts area of the Military Vehicle Trust saw a whole host of war memorabilia decorate the village.

With a total of 23 living history groups, along with more than 70 military and vintage vehicles on display, well-wishers were able to find out more about war times while being entertained.

Lacock at War chairman Jason Close said: "This has been the best show on record by far. The atmosphere was really alive with the sights & sounds of 1940s, everyone was so immersed in it all. On the show ground and in Lacock village, both the reenactors and the general public enjoyed the whole theme we endeavoured to create. 

"The personal highlight of my weekend was being allowed the honour of receiving distinguished members of the Normandy Veterans Association, Wiltshire Branch. The moment they entered the vintage marquee, they received a standing ovation, which brought a tear to my eye. We also loved having John & Elizabeth Norris spend their 40th wedding anniversary with us. After handing them a bottle of bubbly, they were serenaded by Maddie, with the lovely couple dancing. There wasn't a dry eye in the tent. Special moments like these at Lacock, is the reason I love my work."

While the weather forced the BBMF Lancaster flypast to be cancelled, crowds were treated to the George Formby Experience which mirrored the sights and sounds of the 1940's while others were entertained by singer Madeline Brown and a burlesque workshop overseen by Dulcie Demure.

Visitors also took a moment to sing the national anthem.

Chairman of the events committee Sylvia Wardle added: “We hope to make people more aware and educate them about what happened during the war and that is one of the missions of MVT. It started out as a group of people who wanted to get these vehicles restored and then go places together in them. But what we now hope is to make people aware of what they were used for and the amount of enthusiasts out there is amazing.

“Lacock is a big tourist attraction and our show now brings in one of the biggest crowds into the village. We can’t thank Lacock Parish Council and National Trust enough to have the show there. They enjoy it knowing that we look after the area and we have the best interests of Lacock at heart.”

Plans are now underway for next year’s event.