the Dig for Victory show

Step back into the 1940s

The Dig For Victory Show is a living, breathing time machine. Set in the beautiful North Somerset countryside at the showground in Wraxall, this standout weekend transforms fields into a remarkably detailed wartime world. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in the sights, sounds and spirit of Britain on the home front.

A Festival Where History Comes Alive

You wouldn’t expect to find a full 1940s world just outside Weston-super-Mare – but that’s exactly what awaits at the Dig For Victory Show.

For one weekend each summer, the North Somerset countryside is transformed into a richly detailed wartime Britain, where history isn’t just displayed – it’s brought vividly to life all around you.

The re-enactments and encampments here are anything but small-scale. They stretch across the entire showground, with military camps, Home Front scenes and living history displays in every direction. As you explore, it genuinely feels like the 1940s have taken over the countryside – not as a backdrop or exhibition, but as a fully formed world you’ve stepped into.

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This is history you don’t just read about – you experience it.

Wander through the Home Front Marquee and you’ll find everything from make-do-and-mend workshops to live cooking demonstrations using wartime rations. Step outside and you might stumble across a NAAFI tea station, a swing dance in full flow, or re-enactors bringing everyday 1940s life vividly back to life.

Across the site, the attention to detail is incredible. Traditional farming methods are demonstrated in the 1940s farm, while vintage stalls, period displays and passionate historians share the real stories behind the era.

And then there are the vehicles…

Tanks, Trucks and Thunder in the Arena

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend is the sheer scale of historic military vehicles on display. From classic cars to powerful armoured tanks, this is one of the largest collections you’ll see in the South West.

Head to the main arena and you’ll witness them in action – with combat re-enactments, training displays and even artillery demonstrations that bring the reality of wartime to life in a way that’s both thrilling and deeply moving.

Music, Dancing and 1940s Spirit

It’s not all about history lessons – this is a celebration too.

Expect live music, vintage fashion, and plenty of opportunities to dance the weekend away 1940s-style. Whether it’s a lively tune drifting across the showground or an impromptu dance session, the atmosphere is infectious.

And when it’s time to relax? There’s a vintage tea room, bar, and plenty of delicious local food to enjoy.

Make a Weekend of It: On-Site Camping

Want the full experience? Stay for the whole weekend and wake up right in the heart of it.

The on-site campsite sits alongside the showground with sweeping views across the North Somerset countryside – and it’s the perfect way to turn your visit into something truly memorable. Arrive from Friday afternoon, settle in with your tent, campervan or caravan, and enjoy two full days of 1940s atmosphere without ever having to leave.

There’s something special about spending the evening on site as the day visitors head home – the music fades, the sun sets over the fields, and the whole place takes on a different, almost magical feel.

Facilities are simple and relaxed, with hot showers, toilets, water points and food outlets on site. It’s all about embracing the spirit of the weekend – so bring a torch, pack for the outdoors, and enjoy it for what it is: a proper festival-style escape with a historic twist.

(Top tip: pitches are first come, first served – so if you’re coming with friends, arrive together.)

Fascinating Talks & Real Stories

Throughout the weekend, a programme of expert talks adds real depth to the experience. From wartime childhoods and rationing to the stories behind campaign medals and the American presence in the South West, these sessions bring a powerful human perspective to the era.

Brilliant for Families

This is a fantastic day out for all ages.

Children can enlist in the guard room, tackle an assault course, try traditional games, or enjoy vintage fairground rides. There’s even Punch & Judy, dance lessons, and hands-on activities that make learning about history genuinely fun.

A Weekend You Won’t Forget

What makes the Dig For Victory Show so special is its balance – it’s entertaining, educational, and genuinely moving all at once. One moment you’re enjoying music and laughter, the next you’re reflecting during a Service of Remembrance.

It’s a rare chance to step into the past, appreciate the resilience of a generation, and experience history in a way that feels real.

If you’re visiting Weston-super-Mare in June – or even if you’re not – this is the kind of event worth planning your trip around.

And if you really want to make the most of it? Stay the weekend.

Because once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many people come back year after year.