World Wars Weekend

Our live interpreters will deliver a selection of dramatic war stories on a variety of topics about the World Wars throughout the weekend. Please check the timetable on arrival at the museum.

• Trench warfare
• Somme Mud
• French Resistance during the Second World War
• Special Operations Executive
• The Chindits
• D-Day Landings

Gun-firings

Witness the firing of a Lee Enfield rifle, used by the British in the First World War.

Saturday & Sunday, 11am, outdoor amphitheatre, free.

* After the silence, see below.

Remembrance

Join us in remembrance on Saturday and Sunday at 11am, as we observe the national two-minute's silence, followed by a gun firing, and the reading of the poem, Naming of Parts, by Second World War poet and soldier Henry Reed.

Firefight: The Second World War

Through objects, imagery, and film, we explore the weapons, armour, ammunition types and methods of fighting developed by all sides to increase their chances of winning. Training and manufacturing are also explored – they would also prove key to the eventual Allied victory. Permanent gallery display, War gallery, Floor 3.

VE|VJ Day

To commemorate VE and VJ Day, our Objects in Focus display in the War Gallery tells the story of the end of the Second World War. This new display focuses on the weapons used in the Pacific conflict, combined with quotes from those serving at the time.