Latest news with #MuseumofMilitaryLife
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosts fourth annual military festival
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life hosted its annual multi-period encampment last weekend. The Carlisle Castle event, on May 31 and June 1, showcased military history, from Norman knights to the modern army. Visitors explored tents, equipment, and demonstrations, with medieval combat displays and Home Guard rifle drills bringing history to life. Home Guard re-enactors from the Victory in Europe Re-enactment Group (VERA) (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) Rachel Brodie, learning and events co-ordinator at the museum, said: "The re-enactors certainly bring the castle to life and provide visitors with a real insight into army life through the ages. "The range of activities and demonstrations on offer provides something for everyone. "It is great to see people having a good day out." Re-enactors cooking, Norman style (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The Parade Square featured military vehicles, including the museum's Armoured Scout Car, while children enjoyed activities in the popular KidsZone. Ryan Aitken, a re-enactor, said: "This is the 80th anniversary year of Victory over Japan Day. "Our display with a Far East theme enables us to discuss the Border Regiment's part in Burma and people are really interested in the soldier's kit and equipment. "We love being part of this event." Members of the Second World War Combined Forces Living History Group (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The event was supported by the Solway Aviation Museum and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, with veterans from the Regimental Association and Royal British Legion also in attendance. As part of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, the museum is currently displaying items from its Second World War collections. A new temporary exhibition, Gretna 110: The Quintinshill Rail Disaster of 1915, opened on Saturday morning, and is currently on loan from the Royal Scots Museum in Edinburgh. Plans are now underway for the fifth Military Festival in 2026.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Talk on WWI East Africa Campaign to take place at Carlisle Castle next week
A talk on the East Africa Campaign of 1914-1918 is set to take place at Cumbria's Museum of Military Life in Carlisle next week. The Tuesday Talk event will feature Dr Anne Samson, historian, who will offer an overview of the military aspects and the challenges faced during the campaign. This campaign was the longest-running of the First World War, involving action on land, sea, lakes, and in the air. The Tuesday Talk event will feature Dr Anne Samson, historian (Image: Cumbria's Museum of Military Life) The talk will delve into various themes including logistics, medical support, and a comparison of the British and German forces. It will also touch on the legacy of the war and how it is remembered today. Dr Samson is an independent historian who has authored two books on the First World War in Africa, as well as a biography on Lord Kitchener. She has also penned numerous articles on themes related to World War 1 in Africa, including the role of the historical novel in writing history. Dr Samson has delivered various talks on aspects of the war in Africa. She is the co-ordinator of the Great War in Africa Association and sits on the Scientific Council of the International Network for the Study of the Great War in Africa. Dr Samson, who grew up in South Africa, completed her BA Degree at UNISA. She moved to London in 1996, where she completed her MA in Twentieth Century History at the University of Westminster, and her PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London. The talk is set to take place on Tuesday, June 10, at the museum located within Carlisle Castle. The event is open to the public, although pre-booking is advised to secure a seat. The talk will commence at 6pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm. A licensed bar will be available for attendees. Tickets are priced at £5 each if booked in advance, and £6 on the door. They can be booked by calling the museum on 01228 532774, emailing enquiries@ or online at
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Military Festival at Carlisle Castle announces full programme of events
A family-friendly event at the end of the month will celebrate Cumbria's military heritage with exhibits and re-enactments. Cumbria's Museum of Military Life has just announced its programme of events for the annual Military Festival, which will take place at Carlisle Castle on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. The two-day event is packed full of re-enactments as well as military vehicle exhibitions. However, this year they announced there will be no live firing event. Organisers said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no live firing at this year's event. 'We understand this may be disappointing and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.' The programme begins with the arming of the night and then goes on to the children's drill with the 47th Regiment of Foot. There will also be a showcase of medieval combat techniques, a home guard foot/rifle drill and a combat tournament, as well as a Kid's Zone with crafts and dressing up. READ MORE: The Cumbrian woman who empowers others after becoming a widow at 38 The Rocket Theatre Group will be performing a WW2 musical medley in the afternoon, and the day will end with a musket drill display by the First of the First Grenadiers. There will be food available on the day at the café, and tea and coffee served by John Watt & Son. Anybody interested in attending this event should buy a normal ticket to Carlisle Castle on the day. To find out more, you can visit their Facebook page here:
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carlisle to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day
Carlisle is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month with a series of events. On Thursday, May 8, the city will commemorate the end of World War II in Europe with a range of activities. The day will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony and a short service at the cenotaph in the city centre at midday, honouring the contributions of service personnel during the conflict. Later in the day, Carlisle Cathedral will host a Civic Evensong service at 5.45pm, followed by the ringing of the cathedral bells at 6.30pm. The celebrations will then move to Carlisle Castle, where the public can participate in the lighting of the Lamp of Peace at 9pm. This will be followed by a rendition of words, songs, and the national anthem until 9.30pm, when there will be the lighting of the beacon. The ceremony will conclude with the floodlighting of the Cathedral, Citadel, and Devonshire Street by Cumberland Council. The nationwide celebrations, announced by the Government, will span four days, culminating on VE Day itself, Thursday, May 8. Communities across the country are encouraged to organise their own street parties, in a nod to how the day was celebrated in 1945. Victory in Europe Day is an annual celebration that marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, which marked the end of World War II in Europe. On May 8, 1945, after nearly six years of war, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced a national holiday, addressing the nation on the radio. However, the day was not celebrated by everyone, as fighting continued in the Far East against Japan for another three months. Jules Wooding, manager of Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, explained: "Although there were celebrations and rejoicing, many people mourned those that had been killed or worried about those still serving overseas. "Even with VJ Day later in 1945, life did not return to normal as the impact of the war continued for many years." The Border Regiment, whose depot was at Carlisle Castle, continued to fight in the Far East in May 1945, with the war not finishing for them until August 15 – VJ (Victory Over Japan) Day. The 2nd, 4th and 9th Battalions were fighting in Burma, as recalled by George MacDonald Fraser, author, who served with the 9th Battalion. Within a week of Rangoon's fall came the news of Hitler's death and the German surrender. The 1st Battalion of the Border Regiment was sent to Norway on Operation Doomsday in May 1945 as part of the German surrender. Due to bad weather, one RAF Stirling aeroplane crash-landed in the fog near Oslo, killing all those onboard, including 13 from the Regiment. Cumbria's Museum of Military Life, located in Alma Block within Carlisle Castle, the former Border Regiment Depot, will be showcasing some of its Second World War collections in a series of changing displays scheduled throughout the year. Residents are invited to join the celebrations in Carlisle to commemorate and celebrate this significant day in history. The events provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on the past and remember those who served during the war, while also celebrating the peace and freedom that was restored 80 years ago.
