THE Great Dorset Steam Fair will pay special homage to the First World War this year with a trip back in time.

The fair will feature a special display envisaged to be one of the biggest First World War commemorative displays taking place in the UK this year.

A number of exhibits will feature at the event, which runs from August 27 until August 31 at the Tarrant Hinton showground near Blandford.

The fair is one of the world’s largest heritage and cultural events, with 200,000 visitors attending each year.

The First World War display will be divided into three main areas: the Western Front, the Home Front, and an exhibition marquee shared with the National Traction Engine Trust.

Exhibits will include a Horse Remount Depot, The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group, steam engines, tractors, field guns, and cars, among others. Each exhibit will have its own unique First World War stories to tell.

The Horse Remount Depot will explain how horses and mules made it to the Western Front and what their lives were like when they got there. Visitors will be able to ask questions and meet the animals.

Meanwhile, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group will aim to bring history to life. The group will be ‘manning’ two lines of trenches that have been dug to re-create the image of life at the front in France during the conflict.

Martin Oliver, managing director of the fair, said: “With 2014 marking 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War, it is fitting that the Great Dorset Steam Fair marks this special anniversary with our own tribute display.

“Our WW1 display has been carefully and sensitively compiled and we hope that you will find it to be interesting and informative but most of all in honour and memory of all those who served their country in the 1914-1918 conflict, millions making the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.”

A remembrance service in honour of all servicemen and civilians who lost their life in the conflict will be held in the Western Front Area of the display, starting at 4pm on Friday, August 30.

For more information visit gdsf.co.uk.