A HISTORIC Weymouth attraction will be the setting for the country’s first Victorian Military Tattoo in aid of wounded personnel fighting current battles.

Re-enactment groups from across the country will descend on the Nothe Fort for the ‘living history’ extravaganza in September, which will include parades, bands, cavalry, and rifle and artillery firing displays.

It will begin with a grand procession through Weymouth led by ‘Queen Victoria’, whose horse-drawn carriage will be escorted through the streets by cavalry.

The Nothe Fort, built in 1872 to protect the coast, used as a base by British and American forces during the Second World War and now a popular military museum, is seen as an ideal venue for the event.

Fort administration manager Stephen Booth said it was a large scale event which will be ‘very exciting’ He added: “The Nothe Fort is perfect for something like this because of its location and the fact it is a Victorian fort.”

Thanks to support from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, the Nothe Gardens will also be used and be turned into an authentic soldiers’ camp and display area.

‘Bell tent’ camps will be erected, exactly as the soldiers would have done 150 years ago. While the fort will be the setting for the tattoo and the museum’s Artillery Volunteers re-enactment group will be heavily involved, the event itself is being organised by ex-military man John Hurst of Bristol.

Mr Hurst, a former major in the Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars who now runs a commercial property firm, set up a company to run the event, which will cost around £30,000 to stage.

It has received a boost after it was confirmed the event will benefit from £10,000 Lottery Awards for All grant. Mr Hurst hopes to raise £10,000 for the Help for Heroes charity which supports wounded service personnel injured in current conflicts.

“Whether or not you support the wars they are in, the fact is these men and women are fighting for Queen and country,” he said.

“It is a fitting cause as this is a military even t.

“The event will be a wonderful display of military presence and a great experience for all to enjoy. “With the re-enactment regiments and soldiers, bands and artillery, games such as skittles and coits for people to play as well as Punch and Judy shows, the weekend will not only be educational but a fun and rewarding day.”

The tattoo will be held over the weekend of September 19-20. Events in the gardens are free but there will be a charge of £12.50 for adults and £5 for children to get in the fort. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities contact 0117 905 5011.