WW1 hospital to host new Armed Forces Festival

A country estate that played roles in both world wars will host a new Armed Forces Festival.

Normanby Hall Country Park, near Scunthorpe, will stage the event on 20 June.

The festival will incorporate North Lincolnshire's Armed Forces Day celebrations, with military displays, living history, performances and hands-on activities.

The estate was used as a hospital for soldiers during World War One and as a test site for amphibious tanks in World War Two.

In previous years, North Lincolnshire Council held Armed Forces Day celebrations at Brumby Hall Sports Ground.

Organisers said the move to Normanby Hall would allow them to stage a bigger event.

According to the hall, there will be parades, live music, mini tank rides and a Dad's Army tribute show. Parking will be free and there will be a shuttle bus from Scunthorpe.

Council leader Rob Waltham said it would "allow us to grow the event in the right way, while keeping Armed Forces Day at its heart".

He added: "Hosting the event at Normanby Hall gives us the opportunity to make the very most of a wonderful setting.

"There's more space and the ability to invite even more exhibitors and stallholders, making the festival bigger and better than ever before."

The country park is also home to the Rural Life Museum and organisers said this meant they would be able to "spotlight not only those who served, but the vital role played by farming and rural communities in supporting the war effort at home and abroad".

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