AN ANNUAL 'top level' military show has drawn a huge number of people despite being quieter than usual.

The Wartime in the Vale show, hosted at Ashdown Camp, saw an estimated 10,000 people coming to see the military vehicles and live shows. 

Along with tanks and other military vehicles, visitors could see live re-enactments and enjoy live music.

ATS displayATS display (Image: Wartime in the Vale)

Amy Jelfs co-organiser of Wartime in the Vale along with Emma Tremlett-James, said: "All in all it went really well, especially the D-day display. 

"The number of people who visited us was down when compared to previous years but I think people had been wary of the weather. 

"When the show was on the weather held out. 

"It is a big show and it has been going on for 17 years now, it's one of the top military shows in the country and it's been built up over many years."

(Image: Wartime in the Vale)

The event has gone international with people visiting from America and the Netherlands. 

One group of American enthusiasts visited Normandy before coming to the show.

Miss Jelfs continued: "It was very successful but I think a lot of people were sat watching the weather forecast on the television. 

"Normally we have anywhere between 12,000 and 15,000 people but I think this year the number was closer to 10,000. 

"It takes all year to organise and we will be starting again after the Malvern Militaria Show in October.

(Image: Wartime in the Vale)

"So far we haven't had one bad review, from everyone I have spoken too, I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

"My favourite part must have been the ATS display, it was brilliant, their uniform and training were spot on. 

"They were all female and riding vintage motorbikes around sandbags, it was so accurate, they were also giving maintenance lessons out in camp."

(Image: Wartime in the Vale)

The event had a 1940s atmosphere and should have had a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast. 

However, the team has been grounded since Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed after a Spitfire crashed into a field in Lincolnshire in May.

Miss Jelfs said: "Unfortunately it didn't happen because of the Spitfire crash, it's unfortunate but I don't think it had an effect, people knew it wasn't going to happen and it was out of our control.