From the age of the Greek hoplites to the Second World War, conflicts from across the eras come crashing into the present at The Colchester Military Tournament.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester Military Tournament 2014, 16th Lancers with riflesColchester Military Tournament 2014, 16th Lancers with rifles (Image: Archant)

Taking place on July 5-6 at the town’s Abbey Field, there will be displays from Napoleonic times, the First World War, the Second World War Normandy campaign and more in the re-enactment arena and living history encampment.

Organised by the East Anglia branch of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, regional director Major Peter Harclerode said: “As the British army’s own national charity, we are proud to be launching the Colchester Military Tournament which, in addition to being a great family event for the town, will raise funds to help support our serving soldiers, veterans and their families in East Anglia.”

The packed programme also includes a fly past by a spitfire from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, death-defying stunts from Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross team, the Red Devils free-fall parachute team will be dropping in along with the BBC World War One At Home Live Event.

Live entertainment comes from folk singer Adrian Nation, Souled Out, the Colchester Military Wives Choir, the Essex Police Band, Essex Samba, the Corps of Drums of the Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force, the Skyliner 1940s-era American-style dance band and the dancers of the Colchester Highland Dance Association.

There will also be family attractions including static displays of modern and vintage weapons and vehicles alongside those of today’s British Army, a funfair, zorba balls, bumper boats, laser clay shooting and more.

Visit www.colchestermilitarytournament.co.uk for more details.