Battles Through History Military Show, Sussex

showground rules and regulations

Battles Through History Showground Rules and Regulations

We want you to have an enjoyable time at the show, but there are rules and regulations that must be abided by to ensure that the show is trouble free and runs smoothly for everyone involved. The rules apply to everyone at the showground, including when it is closed to the public. So please make sure your party are aware of them.      

 

Passes & Wristbands

Vehicle passes will be issued on arrival at booking in, and as per the list provided in advance.  There is NO entry to the showground without a pass.

Wristbands will be issued at booking in. Only those named on the booking form as part of their allocation/or purchase will receive one. There is NO entry to the showground without a wristband and no entry to the bar or entertainment in the evenings. Lost wristbands will be charged at the full day rate.

 

Exhibitors including Living History / re enactor groups

  • All applications to be submitted on the Battles Through History booking form
  • All weapons (firing and non-firing) must remain within the display or group area unless under the supervision of Battles Through History approved personnel
  • Allocation and positioning of space is at the discretion of Battles Through History. We will try to meet any requests. We will endeavour to make it a comprehensive timeline where space allows.
  • You must keep within your allocated space. This includes guy ropes, stays, awnings, or any tent, building or vehicle being used in your display/encampment.
  • Boundaries of your site will be marked. Under no circumstances are you permitted to occupy any space beyond what has been allocated and marked or to obstruct any pathways.
  • There is to be no sub-letting or relocating to any site other than that allocated.
  • Cancellation or withdrawal from the show will result in an admin fee being charged depending on the space that has been allocated.
  • Battles Through History reserves the right to refuse any booking application.
  • Battles Through History will not be held responsible for damage caused to sites by a third party
  • Battles Through History will not be responsible in any way for any article, machinery or object of any kind exhibited in the show ground
  • The exhibitor, living history group & re-enactors assume full responsibility and liability for all claims arising out if of the exhibition, handling and housing of exhibits, and their conduct. Battles Through History are indemnified against all claims, damages or expenses in any way arising out of the presence of the exhibitor or their exhibits on the show ground. Acceptance of the above is a condition of entry.
  • Exhibitors must insure against Fire against third party claims.
  • Re-enactors/living history must have third party liability insurance cover of One million pounds for static non battling groups and for Five million for battling groups
  • The site will be left in the same condition as it was found in. Any damage must be repaired, or the exhibitor will have to reimburse Battles Through History for the damage caused.
  • No ground, trees, or shrubs to be removed, cut, or spoiled,
  • No Neo Nazi regalia, propaganda, or political material.

 

Regulations applicable to Machinery, engines, working models etc.

  • Only smokeless Fuels permitted when the show is open to the public.
  • All machinery and equipment complies with the current health and safety regulations, whilst demonstrating and during erection and demolition
  • Any belts pulleys gears or other components that could be a danger to the public or passers-by are adequately guarded
  • All precautions must be taken for the safe transport of petroleum and precautions against fire.
  • Battles Through History reserve the right to exclude any petrol, diesel, or spirit they deem unsafe
  • Battles through history reserves the right to prohibit demonstrations if incorrect usage/ practices are witnesses/reported

 

Vehicles

  • All vehicles must have a pass. No entry to the showground without one
  • Support vehicles must leave the showground by 8.30am and not return until 5.30pm or later depending on circumstances, when the public have left. NO vehicles will be allowed on to site after 19.30hrs on show days.
  • Static vehicles must also have a pass and will be provided as per the booking form
  • The vehicle has a valid test certificate if required, and if not required that the vehicle is roadworthy within the terms of the vehicle insurance and the Road Traffic Act
  • All Drivers hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle and is included on the insurance cover
  • No vehicle movement on site unless permitted by Battles Through History Personnel.
  • NO tracked vehicle movement on site
  • No Quad Bikes
  • No Drones
  • No Scooters

Stand preparation, admission, delivery, and removal of exhibits

  • Exhibitors can be on site from Noon on Thursday 2nd October
  • All stands must be stocked and ready for business by 9.00am Saturday 4th October
  • All stands must be open and manned throughout the show’s opening times between 9am and 5.00pm
  • All exhibitors to be on site for BOTH days of the show, No one day traders will be permitted.
  • Exhibitors with large mobile units /marquees should arrange to have these in position at least one day before the Show. This is due to being able to get onto your pitch without disrupting neighbouring stands.
  • Do Not send any Goods to the Show Ground unless there is a representative on the stand to receive them. Battles Through History and the show ground will NOT accept delivery on your behalf.
  • Please do not close or dismantle your stand whilst the show is on. It’s unfair to the paying public and is not safe to do so. Support Vehicles will not be allowed onto the showground until 17.30 on the last day of the show. Or such later time as circumstances may require. Exhibitors in breach of this rule may not be invited to attend future shows.
  • Stands and all exhibits must be cleared from the Show Ground by 1200hrs on Monday 6th October 2025
  • Indoor Buildings: The Buildings will be open at 8am and closed at 17.30pm. They will be locked overnight and there will be security on site.

 

Reinstatement of Ground

NO Breaking of Soil in the Show Ground for any purpose. If this happens the exhibitor must restore the same by 1200hrs on Monday 6th October, by which time the site of the stand must also be clear of all materials, rubbish, etc. Failing this, Battles Through History will undertake any work required and charge the expense to the exhibitor.

 

Signs

  • All stands and/or sites allotted to Exhibitors will be clearly numbered by Battles Through History. Stand number markers must NOT be removed, disturbed, or obscured.
  • Trade Stand signs must not be erected in a way that they overshadow a neighbouring stand.
  • Exhibits must be so placed that they do not obscure the name of adjacent stands.
  • Flagpoles and other structures must be erected not less than 10 feet / 3 metres from any electricity or telegraph pole and at least 6 feet / 2 metres clear from any electricity or telephone wires.
  • Any exhibitor causing damage to any property on site will incur a penalty of £50, plus the full cost of any repairs required. Show personnel shall have the power to remove any exhibits from the Show Ground

 

Litter etc

  • Exhibitors must have their stands and immediately adjoining avenues cleaned up at the close of the Show daily. Any litter and refuse must be stacked and ready for collection by the Battles Through History’ contractors.
    • Caterers and Exhibitors providing refreshments must provide their own bins for waste food and drink.

 

Radio handsets

  • Exhibitors wishing to use two-way radio equipment must have the appropriate licence from the Home Office for the use of the same.
  • Battles Through History reserve the right to limit the use of two-way radios on the site and request that lists of frequencies which are to be used at the Show, are sent to Battles Through History at least one month prior to the event.
  • Battles Through History also have the right to limit the number of frequencies used and the power of the equipment.
  • Should an exhibitor’s frequency interfere with Battles Through History’ own equipment, the exhibitor will be asked to change frequencies.
  • At no time must C.B. radios VHF/FM or AM be used on the Show Ground during the weekend of the Show.

 

Audio Equipment

  • No exhibitor shall be permitted to use audio equipment including music as a sales aid or attraction without prior written permission form Battles Through History.
  • Subject to such written permission, the volume of sound equipment must be controlled to avoid annoyance to other exhibitors or to the public, and in any case, must not be at such a level as to exceed 60 decibels at 10 metres.
  • The Chief Show Ground Steward’s decision will be final as to the acceptable level of noise emanating from the Stand.
  • Should the volume be increased following the decision on an acceptable level, the Chief Show Ground Steward is empowered to ban the use of said equipment for the remainder of the Show.

 

Trading Laws
The sale of catapults, knives and BB Guns, Soft Air, or Air guns /firearms of any description is strictly restricted to persons over the age of 18 years. It is up to the trader to ensure that his or her customer has suitable identification to prove their age should it be in doubt.

 

Collections, Appeals and Raffles

  • Battles Through History will only accept applications from Charities registered with the Charities Commission.
  • Charities to apply using the booking form
  • Charitable and other institutions wishing to make appeals for contributions to their funds and/or to hold any type of draw must first obtain permission in writing from Battles Through History and submit a sample of any ticket to be used, plus full details of such proposed activity. This is to avoid different charities duplicating each other’s tickets and causing confusion.

 

Advertisements

  • No Exhibitor or other person shall be allowed to affix any placard or advertisement to any part of the Show’s plant or premises unless permission to do so has been obtained from Battles Through History.
  • Nor will any Exhibitor be allowed to distribute handbills or display advertisements in the Show except on their own stand.
  • No kites or balloons will be allowed on the Show Ground and no Exhibitor will be permitted to advertise by means of aircraft, loudspeakers, or trailing banners.
  • The practice of flyposting leaflets on vehicles in car parks is strictly forbidden.
  • In the interest of safety, the sale, display and handing out of balloons is strictly prohibited.

 

Dogs
All dogs must be always kept on leads. The owners are responsible for clearing up dog excrement and placing it in the appropriate bins provided. Dogs are not permitted inside some of the buildings (notices will be visible) and not in the Abergavenny Building after 5pm. This prohibition does not apply to Guide dogs or Assistance dogs.

 

Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Exhibitors will be issued with an Emergency Evacuation Procedure Leaflet within their Exhibitor ticket folder. The instructions on this leaflet form part of the Rules and Regulations of Battles Through History and should be noted.

 

Insurance
All traders have third party public liability insurance. ALL vehicles that enter the show site must have the appropriate third-party public liability insurance cover. All displays and living history must have their group’s insurance in place that indemnifies Battles Through History for any third-party liability.

 

Fire Protection Notice
All exhibitors and outdoor traders are required to supply a suitable fire extinguisher or extinguishers in the interest of fire precautions

  • No heating or cooking appliance is permitted to be installed inside a tent or stand which is not specifically laid out for the purpose. Exhibitors wishing to use heating or cooking appliances for serving refreshments or other purposes in their stands or tents must have these appliances installed outside the tent at a safe distance from combustible materials, and heating appliances must be fixed securely on a non-combustible heat insulating base and surround on three sides by shields of similar material. The shields of non-combustible material should be at least 2 feet / 60cm away from combustible fabrics or other materials, and care must be taken to ensure that no combustible materials can be blown against heaters. Heating appliances, gas piping and gas cylinders must be kept out of reach of the public and stocks of inflammable liquids and spare gas cylinders must be kept in a safe position outside the tents or stands, and care taken to avoid leaking or spilling. Tall cylinders should be securely fixed by tying to a stake driven well into the ground.
  • Battles Through History reserves the right of inspection by one of its official representatives of all tents or stands and the officials shall have full authority to order that the use of any appliances or equipment be discontinued immediately if in their opinion they constitute a danger. All stands using bottled gas are require having the installation checked by a qualified fitter to ensure that the apparatus is safely installed. The decision of Battles Through History in this matter must be accepted as final.
  • Exhibitors will realise that these precautions are essential and non-compliance with them renders the stand liable to closure

Catering

Exhibitors may of course cater in their own stands or displays for their own and their groups consumption providing that they do so safely and are not selling any food or drink.

 

Electricity

  • Use of generators will be monitored, and all generators are to be switched off by 11.00pm
  • Health and Safety (Electricity at Work) regulations 1989 of portable electrical items are subject to annual testing and must have the appropriate current certificates. Battles Through History is empowered to remove electrical appliances not bearing a current safety sticker.
  • If an electric hook up is required, then this should be stipulated at time of booking.
  • Sharing electricity between stands is strictly forbidden. The full rate plus a penalty surcharge of 20% will be charged to offenders. Failure to comply may result in eviction

 

Water

There are many standpipes around the show ground which are free of charge to use.

 

Toilets & Showers

There are many toilets and shower blocks on the show ground and in the buildings, including disabled facilities and baby change. These are permanent plumbed in structures. Please use them as you would your own.

 

Cancellation Or Withdrawal of Space Reserved/Tickets Pre-Paid
Should any Exhibitor withdraw from the Show or cancel the space reserved for them for any reason, the following rates of forfeit shall apply: Written confirmation received before 1st February, a small administration fee. Written confirmation received between 1st February and 24th August 2025 – 50%. Notice after this date – NO REFUND.

 

Refusal Of Entry
Battles Through History reserves the right to refuse any entry whatsoever, whether received prior to the closing date for entries or not, and also reserves the right to cancel any entry which may have been accepted, without any reasons being given.

 

Non Compliance With Regulations
Battles Through History’s officials have power to order the removal of any article from the Show Ground or to close the stand of any exhibitor who does not conform to the Regulations set out by Battles Through History or the directions of the Stewards and, if necessary, to expel such Exhibitor or their representative from the Show Ground without any refund being made.

 

Recovery of Fines, Fees, and Charges
All fines, fees and charges shall be recoverable by Battles Through History and until payment is made, persons owing them shall be debarred from exhibiting at future shows or fairs.

Disclaimer of Liability
Battles Through History will not be responsible for the death, injury, disease, or loss caused to any Exhibitor or to their agent or servant, or to any animal, insect, bird, or thing of whatever nature, exhibited by the said Exhibitor, from whatever cause death, injury, disease, or loss arises. The Exhibitor of any animal, insect, bird, or thing of any nature whatsoever will indemnify Battles Through History for any damages, loss, injury, or disease occasioned by the said exhibitor, their agent or servant or by the said animal, insect, bird, or thing of any nature whatsoever, however such damage, loss, injury, or disease shall be caused.

Under the requirements of the Reporting of Accident, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation 1995 (RIDDOR) all accidents that are classified as major under these Regulations must be reported to Battles Through History and also to the appropriate statutory authority. All injuries that occur to exhibitors, their staff or members of the public who visit stands, displays or any other facility, no matter how minor they may appear to be, must be reported to Battles Through History in order that the incident can be recorded in the Accident Book.

Battles Through History thanks you for abiding by the rules and thereby ensuring a safe enjoyable event for everyone!

 

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