Cosby Victory Show 2023

Recently, still in between wedding and event photography, I had an enormous pleasure to document one of the highly anticipated weekend shows in Leicestershire, the Cosby Victory Show, which brought together war veterans, enthusiasts as well as passionates who dive right into the world where times were tough and the future - uncertain. From tanks and artillery machines to planes and fully equipped soldiers with the most minute details to match the outfits and equipment of the WW2 era, I couldn’t help but be immediately and entirely enthralled in the inevitable observation and documentary of what can easily become one of the favourite weekend shows in autumn in Leicestershire. And that’s a lot to say from someone who’s not a war time passionate! However, my son is, and so I guess his interests are kind of contagious in this case.

We first came across and visited the Cosby Victory Show back in 2016 and loved it although back then we were challenged by awful and wet weather, boggy fields and cold wind, which can add to the hardship felt by the soldiers during war times. This year things were different: it was 27 degrees Celsius and we ended up looking for shade mid-day to avoid sun burn - no complaints though, it was fabulous and pleasant to feel the heat after the non-summer we experienced in July and August this year. The program of the show remained mostly unchanged however with some additions to the immersive battle re-enactment experiences of which nowadays there are two - one in the woods, where the Scottish and Canadian troops fought valiantly against advancing Nazis,  and the other taking place on the main field, where you’re taken to witness the advancement of the Allied forces against a defending Nazi platoon desperately trying to stand aground during the overpowering Canadian, US and the British battalions working their way into mainland Europe.

I came out from the show not only blown away - no pun - but also learnt so much! So if you missed it this year, here are some photographs to entice you to visit next year as the show is returning. I know I will!

To book tickets for the next event, follow the page here.