The Heroes' Festival

Where can you go for a great day - and evening - out for just £ 5? The Heroes' Festival, that's where!

Taking place at Newark Showground next Friday, 26 June, The Heroes' Festival is a unique opportunity to not only enjoy action-packed entertainment provided by members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF) but also to support our heroes who, all too often, lay down their lives in the name of freedom.

Conceived a year ago by Tarnia Venning-Heyhoe, a soldier's wife from near Boston in Lincolnshire, to help raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity, the Festival aims to raise an incredible £ 100,000. Help for Heroes provides financial and other support to British troops wounded during active duty.

Open to members of the public from 10.00 am, car parking costs just £ 5 and admission is absolutely free! A day-long programme of displays will take place in the showground's Main Arena, starting with the spectacular Royal Artillery Flying Gunners Motorcycle Display Team and includes a visit from Titan the Robot. For those wanting to get up close, Titan is also around in the early evening near the Cedric Ford Pavilion

A mini 'Military Tattoo' opens with Newark Sea Cadets performing a mind-boggling arrangement of Semaphore at 6.00 pm. Just after 7.30 pm all eyes will turn skywards to salute the much-revered Spitfire as it flies overhead to a background of emotion-provoking music by the Band of the RAF. The 'Tattoo' will be brought to a close by the Tigers Parachute Team who will drop in around 8.30 pm.

Around the showground during the day will be a multitude of static displays, including military vehicles and a Chieftain tank, with opportunities to 'Join the army for 30 minutes', have a go at laser clay shooting, tower climbing and take a ride on a flight simulator.

Representatives from many different branches of the forces, including the Royal Engineers, bricklayers and farriers - complete with pack horses - will be on hand to provide information on life in the defence corps as well as recruitment and career opportunities.

Other attractions include a lifestyle village, children's fairground and commercial trade stands. Landrover Monthly magazine is offering free rides on its purpose-built off-road 4x4 track, which is situated within the showground.

Refreshments will be available from various catering outlets or visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.

Also taking place in the evening will be a fund-raising Ball, which includes a Drinks Reception, reserved seating for the evening display, a sumptuous dinner, auction and entertainment. Among the auction lots donated so far include a VIP racing experience, a day with the Radical Racing Team, a day at a Health Spa and the opportunity to train as a pilot on a military simulator.

Amongst others attending the Ball will be General Sir Richard Dannatt, Professional Head of the Army, Brigadier James Richardson (Commander 49 (East) Brigade), the Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, Sir Andrew Buchanan and representatives from the Royal Navy and RAF.

Just a few tables remain for those wishing to attend the Ball. Tickets cost £ 600 for a table of 10 or £ 80 each and are available by calling Tarnia on 07796 278057.

The MOD has given its full support to Tarnia and is providing free buses to transport Year 9 pupils from local and surrounding schools to and from the Festival so they can join visitors in this fantastic experience.

Main sponsor of The Heroes' Festival is Inzpire, defence aviation consultants based in Lincoln, supported by Raytheon Systems Ltd, technical specialists in defence and national security. Many other professional companies and consultants are providing their services free of charge. Businesses or individuals wishing to help with sponsorship are most welcome and can contact Tarnia on 07796 278057 or visit the website for more details: www.theheroesfestival.co.uk

Gates will remain open all day with the last public admission at 7.00 pm. Car parking costs £ 5.00.

19-06-2009