BUMPER crowds are expected to flock to Bovington’s Tank Museum this weekend as the history of armoured warfare rumbles into life.

The charity is hosting its 10th Tankfest event – widely regarded as the finest armoured military vehicle show on the planet – and around 10,000 visitors are expected.

Spectators are travelling from as far afield as China and the USA in a bid to watch displays of classic heavyweight fighting machines.

More than 60 tanks are set to thrill in the main arena, including the recently-restored Black Prince.

Volunteers spent hours restoring this World War Two tank back to its former glory and at Tankfest it will run publically for the first time in 60 years.

Living history encampments, an explosive First World War mock battle re-enactment supported by the museum’s Mark IV replica tank, and a host of displays will also entertain.

Tank Museum spokesman Nik Wyness said: “For the first time at Tankfest the subject of our re-enactment will be World War One.

“We will be showing how the introduction of the tank by the British in World War One helped to break the stalemate of trench warfare, and how aircraft too played an important role in this first modern war.

“It is certain to be an impressive and thought-provoking display.”

Another exhibit central to this year’s festival will be the museum’s Tiger 131, the only working example of a legendry Tiger tank left worldwide.

Mr Wyness said: “The Tank Museum is the home of the tank. No one else can do what we do. There is a quantity and range of armour on display here that no other military vehicle show can match.”