As always, this weekend we bring you a nice selection of militaria shows across the world. We are firm believers that there is no better place for collectors and enthusiasts than at militaria fairs and that is why we do our weekly posts. When you head down to your local militaria show you can handle items, speak to others and learn. When a new collector asks us how we know so much about our respective subjects, the answer is always “by handing the real thing” and what better place than a militaria show!
So, down to it. This weekend (21/04/23) there isn’t a huge list of shows on our calendar, but a few nonetheless.
Denmark – Militaria Collectors Meeting – Jutland
Organised by the Dansk Militaria Foreign (DMF) These events are officially members only. It is possible to become a member via the website.
The meetings are an opportunity for private collectors to show, sell and exchange their militaria items, medals and historical literature.
They have regular members’ meetings, which run from 9am until 12 o’clock, noon. And their biannual large collectors’ meeting takes place from 10am until 3pm. These are on the following dates: 2nd of April and 24th of September 2023.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
USA – Chicago Civil War & Military Show
The Chicago Civil War & Military Show is held biannually in Wheaton Illinois. The show specialises in US Civil war, Revolutionary wars & Spanish American War items. On site you will find a fantastic array of original and reenactment pieces ideal for all. With many amazing events throughout the day including cannons firing, it really is a great family day out.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
USA – North Coast Military Collectors Show
The North Coast Military Collectors Show is an Ohio military collectors fair in the USA. As with any military collectors show you will find a nice range of periods and items available for sale and trade. The show has over 300 tables full of interesting military items for sale, field gear, insignia, weapons, uniforms and much more. On site you have the chance to meet some incredible special guests at each show. Held at the MAPS Air Museum and you will receive free entry to the museum with entry to the show.
Please note – All local, state and federal laws must be followed at all times.
For more information
Website – CLICK HERE
Facebook – CLICK HERE
Price & opening times
$7 (includes entry to the museum) 12 and under free
The show is open from 9am-4pm
UK – The Living History UK Festival
After its successful first event in 2022, the Living History UK Festival is returning in 2023 at the Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park. Presenting ‘400 years of the British soldier’, 20 reenactment groups will tell the story of soldiers fighting for Britain between the years 1645 (starting from Cromwell’s victory during the English Civil War) and 2012 (the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan).
There will be lectures, arena and living history displays, as well as some carefully selected traders. Find out what a WW1 soldier would have eaten, learn more about women during the war or the British soldiers in Italy. And see displays of Wellington’s Army, the New Model Army, Queen Victoria’s riflemen and more.
Living History UK is a non-profit organisation, whose passion is to preserve and promote history. They want to modernise history education by delivering great content via their social media channels.
Tickets for the event are very affordable at £6 for adults, £2 for children between 5 and 15 (under 5s are free) and £4 for concessions. Ticket prices are per day, but they also do a Family Weekend ticket which includes camping and entry for both days for 2 adults and 2 children for £25.
For more information:
UK – Thetford Militaria Fair
Thetford Militaria Fair is a local militaria fair held in Norfolk. With over 150 tables consistently, the Thetford Militaria Fair is a staple of east coast dealers and collectors alike. Running out of the Thetford Leisure Centre with over 400 parking spaces on site, it makes for an ideal show to visit. Operated by Susan Wright from Norfolk Fairs, this well established show has been running for over 10 years.
The show has easy access off the A11 and just on the Suffolk / Norfolk border so is easy to access from North London or Southern Yorkshire. Across the stalls you will find a wide array of militaria from badges, medals and uniforms through to ordinance, deactivated weapons and general equipment. There’s always a nice selection on display. To view some of the photo galleries from previous shows, visit the website below. There have been some great items there in the past!
Light refreshments are also available.
Admission fee
Early Bird (9-10am) £6
General Admission (10am-2pm) – £3.50
Under 16s accompanied by an adult – FREE
For more information
UK – Scotch Corner Militaria Fair
The show at Scotch Corner is operated by Northern Arms Fairs in Northern England and has a wide selection of dealers to browse. Showing items from all historical eras, you won’t struggle to find an interesting item or two.
Northern Arms Fairs have been running military collectors shows since 1978 and as such, operate shows across the North in Liverpool, Scotch Corner, Newark and Leeds, so there’s rarely a month without a show. Collectors and the public are actively encouraged to take any items they wish to sell or trade.
The Scotch Corner venue is very easy to find as it is hosted at the Holiday Inn directly off the A1 and permanently sign posted. If you need to use a satnav, either use our google connect button at the bottom of your screen or input DL10 6NR for directions.
Admission fee
£5 adults – £4.50 Concessions – Under 18s Free
For more information
UK – Penkridge Military Fair
A well-established militaria fair, the Penkridge Military Fair returned in 2022 after it was unfortunately cancelled for a few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. Elephant Promotions (3 Elephants Antiques) has taken over organising this fair and they have 4 fair dates confirmed for 2023.
Entry is only £2 and free for under 16 year olds. If you’re a reenactor wearing period clothes, or you have a military vehicle with you, entry is also free. There is a prize for the best vehicle and crew as well.
As for traders, there are several options for stalls ranging from £10 to £45. If you just want a 12ft space outside, it is £10. Outside, but under cover it’s £15 for an 8ft space. Neither of these options come with tables so if you require them, you need to bring your own. For the indoor pitches, a 6ft table is £25 and a double (12ft) space is £45. Both of these have the tables provided for you though, so it’s a great option if you don’t have your own tables – or simply if you want to be safe from all weathers by staying indoors.
For more information:
UK – Waterlooville Militaria Fair
Bringing together a mix of Antique, Militaria and Vintage items, the Waterlooville Militaria Fair has it all under one roof! The Waterlooville Militaria Fair is new to the scene in Hampshire in 2022. Being brought to you by Sara Hughes of Phoenix VAM Fairs, you will get a great mix of vintage, antique and military items. Unlike most militaria fairs, you could also buy a pearl necklace and a 1930s fur cap alongside your WW2 items. This makes the shows by Sara great days out.
The new venue offers refreshments and free parking outside.
Admission fee
The entry fee is £2 per adult, children free.
Opening times are 10am – 4pm
For more information
At Militaria Today we have compiled the world’s most extensive militaria fairs and events list. We strive to be as accurate as we can. However, all events are subject to change, so we recommend checking with the event organisers before travelling, in case of any last-minute changes. We cover a worldwide market, so it can be hard to keep up with last-minute amendments.
Know of a show that’s not on our list?
Our fairs list is completely free for all users and show organisers! So if you know of a militaria fair, show, military yard/boot sale, reenactment or other event that is not on our list, just get in touch and we will happily add it to our list and promote the event on our social media. Please send any submissions via our contact us page. We want to build the most complete worldwide list available.
