By Press Release
More than 2,000 people attended a unique open day at Bembridge Fort on Saturday.
It was part of the Island’s National Trust series of events over the weekend, which also included another open day at the Needles Old Battery on Sunday.
The last time the public had such access to the Bembridge Fort was around 10 years ago, and Needles site manager, Jo-Ann King, said: “We joined up with The Nothe Fort Garrison from Weymouth, as they brought the Old Battery to life and gave a real taste of what it may have looked, smelled, and sounded like.
“From raising the flag first thing in the morning and drills on the parade ground, to the boom of rifle and cannon firing throughout the day, the Garrison filled the battery with life. “
At Bembridge, visitors were able to go inside the fort free, with guides on hand to answer any questions, and there were also information stands about local history, re-enactment groups, Palmerston forts and the military.
As well as the Nothe Fort Garrison, there were appearances from the Portsdown Artillery and the Palmerston Fort Society.