THE extravaganza which is the Military Spectacular returned to Longleat for its second year at the weekend, celebrating all of our armed forces.

As part of the celebrations, visitors got up close to a variety of military vehicles, including a Challenger Two Main Battle tank, a Warrior tracked armoured vehicle, a Panther command and liaison vehicle, an armoured self-propelled artillery gun, a combat support boat and many more.

Guests also got stuck into interactive workshops using kits such as virtual reality headsets, as well as learning about some of the key skills needed when serving the country.

The Royal Artillery Band and The Band and Bugles of the Rifles performed across the grounds and main square on Saturday and Sunday respectively. There was also a climbing wall, farrier displays and a spectacular glow-lit parachute display.

The parachutists jumped in formation giving a dramatic and glowing display.

The two-day event marked Longleat’s ongoing partnership with the armed forces which stretches back to the First World War, when Longleat House was used as a hospital for injured troops.

Serving members of the armed forces and veterans received a discount of over 30 per cent on production of MoD or Veteran ID cards as a thank you for their services.

As an armed forces friendly organisation and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Longleat is also committed to supporting the employment of veterans, service spouses and partners, as well as supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and local Army Cadet Force units.