Life in the trenches recalled

The brutality of life in the trenches during World War One will be brought back to life in Staffordshire during a popular living history event.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum at Whittington Barracks, near Lichfield, will be transported into the past when it holds its annual Night in the Trenches on November 8.

Visitors will be given the chance to take a step back in time and experience what it was like to be a soldier on the frontline during the 1914-18 war as part of the event.

Costumed actors from the Birmingham Pals re-enactment group will perform During the Night in the Trenches, which is set outside, giving visitors the chance to see, hear and smell what it was like to be a young soldier during the war at night.

Visitors will also be able to take a guided tour of the recreated trench system which will include fireworks and recreations of gas attacks, night patrols and other aspects of the terrifying life.

This year's special emphasis will be on the work of the pioneers and engineers who designed, built and maintained the trench systems and fought the war underground with gigantic mines.

The audience will get the chance to interact face to face with the actors in the confines of the trench as they play the role of new recruits being introduced to life in the trenches.

The museum's own education team will be on hand allowing visitors to try on pieces of uniform and equipment and the museum gallery will be open to view.

Talks will be held in the museum's new education facility about life in the trenches every hour from 5.30pm with tour times running throughout the night.

Bosses at the museum say pre-booking is advised as numbers are limited and the night always proves popular.

The event will run from 4.30pm until 9pm.

Admission is £6 for adults, £3 concessions with a family ticket costing £12. All pre-booked tickets qualify for one free Staffordshire Regiment History Magazine per booking.

To book a place contact the curator on 01543 434395 or email curator@staffordshireregimentmuseum.com