🚀 Lanc, Tank & Military Machines 2025 – A Weekend of Big Engines, Big History & Big Bangs
- GoLincs
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
We might be a little late getting this review out… but trust us, this one’s worth the wait.
The Lanc, Tank & Military Machines event at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre was nothing short of unforgettable. Held across the May bank holiday weekend, this is one of Lincolnshire’s most unique living history experiences — and GoLincs was there to soak it all in.
With live-fire tank displays, 1940s entertainment, vintage flyovers, and the unmistakable rumble of real military hardware, this wasn’t just a day out — it was a full-on time warp with extra explosions.
Here’s everything we loved.
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💥 Live Fire Shooting: Boom. Rattle. Wow.
Let’s start with the main event — the live fire demonstrations. The very first shot from the M5 Stuart light tank literally stopped the entire site in its tracks. Crowds came running from every direction, drawn by the earth-shaking sound that echoed across the Lincolnshire countryside.
You didn’t just hear it — you felt it.
As more rounds fired and mock explosions sent fireballs into the sky, the whole display brought home the raw intensity of wartime engineering. It was thrilling to watch, but also humbling — a reminder of the reality that this machinery was once used in real conflict.
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🎷 1940s Entertainment: Swing, Sway & Sing-Along
If the tanks shook your bones, the hangar entertainment filled your heart.
Step inside the main building and you were instantly transported back to the 1940s. Wartime tunes filled the air as vintage-dressed visitors jived and swayed to live performances by Kyle “George Formby” Evans and a truly magical Vera Lynn tribute.
From polka-dot dresses and victory rolls to suspenders and trilbies, the crowd didn’t just come to watch — they came to participate. And it made the atmosphere feel like an actual wartime dance hall brought back to life.
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✈️ Flyovers: A Lucky Break in the Sky
We attended on Monday 26th May and the British weather was doing its best to keep aircraft grounded. High winds delayed or cancelled several of the planned flyovers… but we weren’t left disappointed.
Just as we were halfway through our loaded pulled pork (more on that in a moment), the clouds cleared and the unmistakable roar of the B-17 Flying Fortress turned every head skyward.
That was quickly followed by a Mustang putting on an aerobatic show that had us cheering. The loops, rolls, and swoops were nothing short of daring — whoever was in that cockpit was clearly having the time of their life.
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🐷 Food: The Cheesy Pig (Yes Please)
Good events need good food — and this one delivered.
The site was packed with hot food stalls offering everything from chips and burgers to cake and coffees. But one vendor stood out (and not just because of the name): The Cheesy Pig.
Set inside a converted horse trailer, this Lincolnshire-based stall served loaded pulled pork dishes stacked with options of cheese, sauces and crunchy bacon . Absolutely mouthwatering — and a solid 10/10 from the GoLincs team. We’ll be on the lookout for them at future events.
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🪖 Military Vehicles & Trade Stalls: The Real Deal
If you’re a fan of big machines, this event was pure heaven.
From Willys Jeeps to tracked APCs, and of course the standout appearance of the Soviet T-34 tankrumbling across the tarmac, there was no shortage of military power on display.
And it wasn’t just static. Many vehicles moved around the site, adding to the live-action feel. You could get up close, chat to the owners, and in some cases even climb aboard.
The trade stalls carried the theme through brilliantly, offering:
• New & surplus military clothing
• Model kits, collectibles & patches
• Camo jackets and ex-army gear (we picked up a heavy-duty overcoat for £10 — and it feels like it could survive a hurricane)
Whether you’re a collector, a re-enactor, or just love browsing unusual items, there was a treasure trove to explore.
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📸 Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit for History Lovers
Lanc, Tank & Military Machines is so much more than just a military show — it’s an immersive, interactive celebration of wartime history, aviation, and engineering.
You’ll laugh, you’ll jump at every tank round, you might cry during a rendition of We’ll Meet Again, and you’ll definitely come away with your ears ringing and your heart full.
We were genuinely blown away by the quality of the displays, the passion of the organisers, and the warmth of the community. Everyone from the ticket team to the tank crews made it feel welcoming and exciting.
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👀 What’s Next?
We’re already counting down the days to our next visit — the East Kirkby Air Show on 2nd August 2025, held at the same site!
If you love aircraft, classic vehicles, and a day out that’s equal parts exciting and educational, we seriously recommend getting it on your calendar.
🗓️ East Kirkby Air Show info:
