by Sam Hawcroft
A major new attraction at this summer’s Blue Light Weekend in Withernsea will be the launch of a dedicated Military Village – a large interactive area celebrating the history, people and future of Britain’s armed forces.
Set on the green at the top of Seacroft Road, the Military Village will combine living history displays, recruitment opportunities and support for veterans and their families. From vintage vehicles to modern simulators, it aims to bring military life to the heart of the community, while raising awareness of the organisations that support those who serve.
The concept grew from a desire to expand the event’s original focus on emergency services. Event co-director Andy Medcalf explained: “We realised the weekend should also celebrate military service and the wider world of lifesaving organisations and veterans. This year felt like the right time to take that step.”
After identifying Seacroft Road as a suitable site, Andy and fellow organiser Dave Penson brought in volunteer Dan Welch – whose experience in military outreach and youth work helped shape the village into a structured and ambitious new addition to the Blue Light line-up.
Dan, who first supported Blue Light Weekend as a first aid responder in 2023, was invited to head up the Military Village project. He accepted the role with enthusiasm, recognising the potential to create something meaningful. “This year is particularly significant – 2025 marks 80 years since VE and VJ Day, so we wanted to reflect the history of service while also looking to the future,” Dan said. “We’re covering three core themes: recruitment, history and land.”
Recognising the scale of the task, the Blue Light Weekend committee enlisted Julie Walker to support Dan on administration and logistics. Together they have formed a strong team, drawing on both existing contacts and new partnerships to build a compelling programme. Julie said the process had been full-on since she came on board: “We’ve been working hard to pull it all together – but it’s really coming together well now.”
The Military Village will be split into four themed zones, each offering a mix of static displays, interactive elements and support services. One of the headline attractions is the Typhoon flight simulator – a 12-metre-long, 14-seater motion simulator run by Stan and Margaret Freeman. It gives users a four-minute high-definition experience of flying a Typhoon jet, including take-off from RAF Coningsby and a dramatic low-level run through the Mach Loop in Wales.
Stan, who previously ran amusement arcades before retiring and returning to work through his passion for aviation, explained the technical challenges involved in creating a realistic simulator: “We didn’t want to run just another fairground ride. We invested in 4K screens, full motion software, air conditioning and even CCTV so people can see what’s happening inside. It’s all about value for money and a proper experience.”
The simulator has previously been featured at major events such as the Royal International Air Tattoo and even received praise from serving Typhoon and Red Arrows pilots who experienced it for themselves at the Fairford-based air show.
Other major draws include a display of military vehicles in Zone 4, where visitors can explore vintage jeeps, trucks and hardware, and a large collection of more than 40 regimental flags that will line the area. These flags, along with handmade sentry boxes and military-style barriers created and donated by Ian Oliver of Medcalf Builders, will help create a striking and respectful environment.
Another star attraction will be a remarkable piece of living history – a fully restored GMC Bolster US Army truck, brought to Withernsea by Tunstall’s Thomas Fox.
The vehicle, which served in the D-Day landings and may even have links to General Patton’s advance through Europe, is a rare example of military engineering that tells a story all its own. Known as a “bolster” due to its role in transporting large bridge sections and pontoons, Thomas says there is a possibility that the truck supported the 56th Engineers and participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
“She was definitely in Normandy,” said Thomas, who acquired the truck from a friend in Durham. “I’m still trying to trace all the history, but we know she ended up in Korea after that, then back to France, and even spent time in a museum before she was brought to the UK.”
Originally built for the US Army, the truck was handed to the French military after the war and later used by French Territorial Army drivers for training. Following decommissioning, it was placed in a museum collection before being sold at auction in 2013.
After passing through several owners, Thomas acquired it after his friend – a former speedway rider – decided to sell it to fund a new engine. Now lovingly maintained, it visits local events – because it drinks five-star petrol at a rate of about eight miles to the gallon.
Visitors to Blue Light Weekend will be able to climb into the cab and pose for photos – although Thomas draws the line at letting people climb on to the back because of its height. “The kids love it,” he said. “I just switch the battery off and let them explore the front of the truck. One lady even asked me to take her for a drive around Withernsea last year – I was happy to do it.”