The explosive fuses are set and war trenches have been filled with mud! These dramatic backdrops are in place at Emu Gully, Helidon Spa (in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley), for the large scale re-enactment of Anzac battles to take place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May.
In its third year, the Emu Gully Air & Land Spectacular will deliver Australia’s largest re-creation of Anzac war scenes, unrivalled in its display of battle action both on the land and in the skies overhead. The re-enactments will take Anzac stories out of the history books and bring them to life in an outdoor theatre on a spectacular scale. While ground troops fight from trenches and rumbling tanks, war birds will be flying overhead dropping special effects explosions on enemy targets. Amidst the action spectators will see Australia’s largest collection of operating military vehicles rumbling to life and again off to war!
Amongst the iconic Anzac scenes will be, the Boer War’s Siege of Elands River, displaying what is said to have been the start of the “Digger Legend”. This battle will be brought to life with mounted troops and spectacular pyrotechnics. The famous Gallipoli battle will be recreated with Simpson and his donkey bravely transporting wounded men through enemy fire. Trenches filled with a ‘porridge’ of mud will provide a very realistic backdrop for the men who will re-enact the dreadful trench warfare of the Western Front.
Re-enactments of WW2 will feature a German replica Focke Wulf 190 aircraft swooping to attack an allied fuel dump with explosive results, before it engages in an aerial duel with a ‘Spitfire’. Many of Australia’s most iconic Anzac battles will be seen, including the Pacific and Vietnam Wars.
“The ground troops in the battle scenes are military re-enactor enthusiasts and they get a real kick out of performing in the trenches as military aircraft drop bombs and dog-fight overhead,” said Barry Rodgers, Event Director. “We have a record number of groups taking part this year, with new arrivals including the Italian troops from Regio Esercito History Group, the Queensland Permanent Artillery and vehicles from the Military Jeep Club of Qld.”
The sweet tunes of the Andrew Sisters Tribute Band will set a World War II backdrop to be enjoyed by troops and spectators alike. The whole event site will be abuzz with military bands, military models in action and authentic encampments that show how the military lived when stationed abroad.
The event offers an experience for those who like “big boy’s toys” or Anzac history, but just as much parents should seize the opportunity to deepen their children’s appreciation for our Anzac heritage. This ‘out of the classroom’ education will be a thrill for the entire family, with interactive experiences to include the Vietnam tunnel, joy rides in military vehicles, self-drive laser equipped patrol boats, pedal jeeps and opportunities to get up close with the ‘Animals that Went to War’.
“This year will absolutely be our biggest and best yet, and we are expecting more than 5,000 spectators to attend over the weekend to enjoy the show,” said Mr Rodgers. “The funding we received this year from the Queensland Government under the Events Queensland Regional Development Program has enabled us to broaden our marketing campaign.”
The full program can be experienced on both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May 2011, at Emu Gully Adventure Education Centre at Helidon Spa just off the Warrego Highway, 17kms east of Toowoomba. Tickets available at the gate ($20 adult, $10 child, $50 family, $15 students and concession).
For more information visit www.airandlandshow.com.au or phone 07 4697 7865.
