Wicksteed at war event cancelled due to war in ukraine

This year’s Wicksteed at War event has been cancelled after it was decided it would be inappropriate in the light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The event, one of the best military history shows in the country, was due to be held at Wicksteed Park on June 11 and 12.

However organisers have now confirmed that it will not go ahead after it was decided it was insensitive to use military vehicles and battle re-enactments as entertainment during the ongoing conflict.

Wicksteed At War is held with the help of the Military Vehicle Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to the conservation of ex-military vehicles.

The show is free to enter and features an action-packed timetable featuring hundreds of battle reenactors and vehicles and attracts up to 20,000 visitors.

It is one of a number of wartime heritage events across the country to be cancelled due to the war in Ukraine.

Wicksteed Park Head of Sales and Marketing, Rachel James, said that the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which owns the park, was incredibly sorry to have to take the decision but thought it was wrong to hold the event this year.

She added: ““We are all very disappointed as we know how much people look forward to Wicksteed at War.

“It was felt that it would be incredibly insensitive to hold a family fun event based on wartime memories, military vehicles and battle re-enactments at a time when the news coming out of Ukraine on a daily basis is shocking the world.

“We also have to be mindful of any Ukrainian refugees who might be welcomed into our area, and the effect on them of seeing people in military uniform and military vehicles congregating at the park.

“We would like to thank the Military Vehicle Trust and Show Director Tim Hawkes and his team for all the effort they have put into planning, not just for this year’s event but the incredibly successful events held in previous years.”

Show Director Tim Hawkes said: “We are very disappointed that this year’s event is not going ahead but completely understand why the trustees at the park have taken this decision.”