The museum team was out in full force at this year’s Capel Military Show, delivering our largest and most ambitious display to date at one of the UK’s premier military vehicle events.
Held annually in Surrey, the Capel Military Show brings together military history enthusiasts, vehicle collectors, re-enactors, and families for a weekend of living history, arena demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. This year’s show drew an estimated 20,000 visitors over three days, and for the Royal Artillery Museum, it marked our biggest public outreach event of the year.
In the main arena, five vehicles from our collection were in action. Returning favourites, the AS90 and M110 self-propelled guns, drew large crowds, while a special highlight was the appearance of the M40—a rare 1945 self-propelled gun that has only recently returned to the museum after a long-term loan to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.
They were joined by the Soviet-era 2S1, driven by members of the Capel show team, and the newly-restored Sexton, which wowed audiences with a dynamic arena display, complete with blank firing, thanks to our partners at the Garrison Artillery Volunteers.
Beyond the arena, our stand showcased several additional vehicles and artillery pieces from the collection, along with a hands-on small-arms handling collection and an opportunity to “fire” an original WW2 Sexton 25-pounder training simulator—a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
We were especially pleased to welcome school groups on the Friday, helping bring military history to life for younger audiences. Across the weekend, thousands stopped by our stand to chat with the team about the museum, our work, and our future plans.
With next year’s Capel Military Show already scheduled for 3–5 July 2026, we’re looking forward to returning with an even bigger presence—and hope to see many of you there.
