Record breaking number attended Tankfest 2019

A record 23,000 people attended this years Tankfest in Bovington in Dorset over the weekend (30/06). The crowd were treated to the worlds finest collection of working armour.

  • Watch this report by Richard Slee:

Tankfest got off to an explosive start before the star of this years show came out to fight.

This is a rare working panther tank- captured by French forces at the end of World War 2- is on a visit from a French museum, and it always attracts a lot of attention.

Panther tank conditions inside were cramped with very little view to see outside Credit: ITV Meridian

Another very rare tank on show is a Japanese tank. One of only two fully original working examples in the world.

After 10 years of restoration, it's just been sold to a Japanese museum.

  • Oliver Barnham, Tank owner:

These days, Tankfest is an international event, attracting thousands of visitors from overseas, which is good news for the local economy.

  • David Williy, Museum Curator:

Away from the arena, there was plenty to see and do in the re-enactment section.

However, it is the tanks in action that were the appeal.

There was plenty to see and do in the re-enactment section. Credit: ITV Meridian