Temple at War 2024 event is a big success in Cressing

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors enjoyed the spectacle of seeing more than 1,000 military and vintage re-enactors gather for this year’s Temple at War event, at Cressing Temple Barns.

Temple at War, a re-enactment event which is dedicated to keeping history alive, celebrated its tenth anniversary on the weekend.

A highlight of the weekend was the Battle of Britain memorial flight, where low-level spitfire and hurricanes flew past the site.

Looking the part - a group of re-enactors at Temple at War (Image: Temple at War)

Spectacle - A fantastic photo of a plane during the event (Image: Liam Stubbings)

Fantastic - a re-enactor at the event (Image: Jayne Kirkby)

It was a significant military campaign during the Second World War, where the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy defended the UK against a large Nazi Germany aerial attack between July to October 1940.

The family-friendly event was packed full of other treats for the crowds which attended.

Temple at War is run by Fifty One Degree Events, an Essex-based company which has been running it since 2015.

A company spokesman said: “Show-goers were treated to a one-to-one meet and greet and valuation opportunity with Militaria Expert Mark Smith from the BBC one hit The Antiques Roadshow.

Impressive - a large allied forces military truck was on display last weekend (Image: Mitch Cokien)

Dressed up - First World War re-enactors (Image: Temple at War)

Old - the Bedford QLR truck (Image: Temple at War)

“The sun and the crowds were certainly out, and the best aurora borealis in 20 years lit up the night sky, as well as the signature ground-to-air spotlights.

"The explosive Second World War battle scenario was a huge hit with the crowds as the Allies won the day.

“The overall feeling of nostalgia was certainly in the air as the sights and sounds of the past 120 years were played out.”

Live musical entertainment was provided by the trio The Knightingales at the event and they were accompanied by the dance group, A2 Jive.

Act - The Knightingales with Essex Police officers (Image: Temple at War)

Happy - Members of A2 Jive (Image: Temple at War)

Success - a member of the First World War 10th Battalion Essex Regiment Living History Group (Image: Mark Gooch)

Alongside the war re-enactments, a ‘Best in Show’ award was given to the First World War 10th Battalion Essex Regiment Living History Group, which marked the second time the group won the award.

The next Temple at War event will take place on May 10 and May 11 next year.

For more information, visit templeatwar.co.uk.