THOUSANDS are expected to descend on Dorset this summer for the return of Tankfest, in an event being billed as “almost normal”.
The 2022 iteration of the annual display show at The Tank Museum in Bovington will return to its familiar June dates, however the “lingering Covid threat” means some of the changes made for last year have been retained.
Tankfest showcases a range of historic vehicles dating from the Second World War, Cold War, as well as military vehicles used in current operations.
Ahead of being held from June 24-26, visitor experience manager Rosanna Dean said: “Even though the pandemic seems to be moving in a more positive direction we need to create our plans in such a way that ensures we can still go ahead with the event if things take a step backward.”
Chief among the retained changes from 2021 is the arena capacity cap, which means the main arena programme on Saturday and Sunday will again be repeated twice each day.
Whilst the arena capacity for each arena session will be greater than the 2,500 permitted in 2021, at total maximum of 4,500, it will still be half of that seen at the 2019 event.
Rosanna added: “Visitor feedback from Tankfest 2021 showed that our visitors enjoyed a much better viewing experience as a result of our arena capacity, and enjoyed the more intense and concentrated vehicle display programme more than our pre-Covid programme.”
The main vehicle display programme will take place on Saturday and Sunday, while Friday will have more of a ‘history festival’ feel, with a range of talks and presentations taking place across the site.
Visit tankmuseum.org/events/tankfest/ for more information.
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