Twenty years ago this March, Fort Nelson in Fareham became a vibrant hub of historical activity across two consecutive weekends.

The first of these saw the impressive "Last Battle 1945" display, a powerful commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second World War.

Visitors were truly immersed in the past by the thunderous sounds of explosive artillery firings and the sight of roaring historical military vehicles traversing the fort's grounds, creating a vivid sensory experience.

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Throughout the bank holiday weekend, action unfolded every hour, featuring meticulously crafted camouflaged military displays and realistic demonstrations of machine gun firepower.

A highlight was the staged battle, vividly depicting the final struggles of the war with dedicated re-enactors portraying British, American, and Soviet troops in a compelling confrontation against German resistance.

Adding a deeply personal touch, professional actors shared poignant real-life accounts from those who experienced the war firsthand, while younger visitors had the unique opportunity to engage with history by trying on authentic uniforms and carefully handling original wartime objects.

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Just a week later, the atmosphere at Fort Nelson shifted to one of historical hilarity with performances of the comedy "Boffins, Bangs and Bazookas."

This popular Blackadder-style farce, a new and welcome addition to the fort's offerings, provided a delightful contrast to the solemn commemoration of the previous weekend.

The side-splitting performance by a comic duo from “His Majesty’s Experimental Weapons Section” culminated in a memorable Britain against Germany penalty shootout with a comedic twist, complete with plenty of theatrical explosions, bangs, and crackles, much to the audience's amusement.

Notably, the weekend before "Boffins, Bangs and Bazookas" also featured dramatic interpretations and impressive gun salutes, showcasing the diverse and engaging range of historical experiences available at Fort Nelson during this memorable month.

These pictures provide a glimpse into the contrasting weekends at Fort Nelson 20 years ago.