Commemorate the 65th anniversary of VE Day at Fort Nelson

29 April 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 events visit the website at www.royalarmouries.org

Media contact: Joss Loader, Primary PR Ltd.
Telephone: 07838 379599.
E-mail: joss@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 and from every corner of the earth. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995. Website:www.royalarmouries.org.uk