Heroes at Highclere to commemorate WW1 centenary

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War with a Heroes at Highclere fundraising weekend.

Taking place over 8 and 9 September, the event will raise money for Combat Stress, The Royal British Legion, RAFBF, The UK Sepsis Trust, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and homeless charity Launchpad.

Several thousand people are expected to attend to enjoy exciting activities that will transport them back 100 years.

As in the First World War, Highclere Castle near Newbury will be transformed into a war hospital, with an operating theatre reinstated in one of the bedrooms. Visitors will be able to speak to servicemen and women and veterans in the library, as well as doctors from the military and MSF.

Thrilling air shows will pay tribute to the pilots who fought in the First and Second World Wars, with displays from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Lancaster Bomber, Hurricane and Spitfire; the Great War Display Team; Typhoons; the Tiger 9 Formation Team and the Red Arrows.

Music will be provided by the Military Wives Choir and a 1920s band. Around the Castle, vintage cars and mock football matches played in war times will be on show. Visitors will also be able to sit down to a cream tea, learn to dance the Charleston, and listen to speakers including former war correspondent Kate Adie and best-selling author Robert Harris.

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://highclerecastleshop.co.uk/categories/heroes-at-highclere