The Victory Show celebrates its 20th year

The largest World War II recreation event in the country is coming back to Leicestershire and you could be there!

The Victory Show is held in the small town of Cosby in Leicestershire’s Blaby District. For one weekend a year the 100 acre Foxlands Farm is transported back to the 1940s with hundreds of re-enactors bringing the past to life across huge encampments, more than 300 restored military vehicles from the Second World War, static aircraft displays plus fly-bys from some of the most iconic WWII planes and extensive recreations, including a massive tank battle.

It’s an important year for the Victory Show as not only are they celebrating their 20^th anniversary, but it is also the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II. The actual day the war ended was the 2 September, and as this year’s Victory Show runs from the 29-31 August, the event couldn’t be more perfectly timed! Not only is this the largest WWI Recreation event in the country, it also was awarded best event/festival in last year’s Leicestershire Tourism and Hospitality Awards.

You can step back in time to the battle fronts of the 1940s with a host of high-quality re-enactment & historical societies showcasing the lives of the participants of the conflict. You’ll be taken around the world, from the Ardennes forest to the deserts of Tobruk to every front of the Second World War including our own home front. Explore authentic memorabilia and the largest collection of period military vehicles in the Midlands, you can really absorb the spirit of the 40s.

A major tank battle re-enactment is the centrepiece of the show and has to be seen to be believed. With ground troops, tanks, half-tracks and other vehicles recreating the noise and spectacle of a ground battle at the height of the war, you can experience this on both Saturday 30 August and Sunday 31 August 2025. Once you’ve done soaking up the spirit of WWII head to the traders area where you can find more than 60 stalls selling militaria, uniforms, 1940s collectables and vehicle spares. There’s also a wide range of food and drink stalls throughout the site.

The display of authentic WWII aircraft is another highlight of the show, and not only are you able to ‘walk the line’ and look at these historic planes close up (for a small fee), you will be able to see many of them soaring above the fields.

Experience the roar of the Supermarine Spitfire’s Merlin engine, the thrum of the P-51 Mustang and of course the iconic Hawker Hurricane which fought throughout the Battle of Britain. You will also be able to see the Dakota DC3 ‘Drag Em Oot’ which took place in the 1944 D-Day air assault. More aircraft will be added to the programme throughout the summer.

The up to date list is here

To make the weekend even more special, tickets are available for the 1940s dinner dance on the Saturday evening. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the period sounds of Paul Harper, while indulging in a fantastic 4-course meal with a fully licensed bar. 1940s period costume, uniform or civilian is positively encouraged to make the experience as authentic as possible! You’ll also be entertained by the Nation’s premier war time act, the D-Day Darlings. Tickets are £85 per person, with table bookings also taken. Info and tickets here

The Victory Show has always paid the greatest respect to those who fought and died for their country during the war to end all wars and is primarily held to keep these memories alive for the next generation. WWII Veterans (or Veterans aged over 80) always invited to attend free of charge. Serving and ex-military members are also able to claim a discount on tickets.

Tickets are on sale, both for the day and the weekend. Book in advance for the early-bird discounts!

• Adults £25 in advance, £32.50 on the gate (serving and ex-military for £20)
• Kids for £15 advance, £20 on the gate (under 5s are free)
• VIP tickets available for £80 (adults), £40 (children 5-15) and £20 (children 2-4) which include entrance to the VIP enclosure, unlimited soft drinks, a show brochure, flight line walk, meet and chat with veterans and pilots, freshly prepared buffet lunch, reserved re-enactment viewing area, unobstructed views of the air show and VIP car parking.
• Weekend camping is available for £40 per van/tent.

Click here for all ticket booking

Obviously you can camp if you like, but if you want to stay in a little more comfort there are loads of fantastic hotels and other accommodation available nearby.

Badgers Mount Hotel in Elmesthorpe, is just over a 10 minute drive away (you could also cycle!) This boutique hotel in the countryside has a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant which is fully stocked with locally sourced ingredients. Find out more here

The Marriott Leicester is the perfect spot for those wanting more creature comforts such as an onsite restaurant and fitness centre. It’s a large chain hotel (with a local touch) and perfect if you’re travelling from further afield as it’s located just off the M1 and right next to Fosse Park retail centre. Book your room here

Camp in an idyllic natural environment, right next to a large wildlife-filled lake. Stanton Lakes touring site is less than 10 minutes drive from the Victory Show and welcomes caravans, tents and motorhomes. It’s an adults only, dog friendly site. The Lakeside Bar and Bistro restaurant onsite offers a fantastic tapas-based menu (plus Sunday Roast). Book your pitch here

Fortway Farm leisure and fishery is a family-friendly site less than 10 minute drive away from the show. Caravans, tents and motorhomes are welcome there with pitches charged at £18 per night! If you want to extend your stay to 5 nights, the price per night is reduced to £14. Find out more here.