Events

Princess Mary's 1914 Christmas Gift with Author & Historian Peter Doyle

- Saturday 4th December 2pm -

The little brass tins of the 1914 Princess Mary Christmas Gift still survive in large numbers well over 100 years after the First World War. The story of the tins, their Royal instigator and the various contents are often the subject of speculation and myth.

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For the first time, after a great deal of research, the true story of this remarkable initiative has finally been told. Author and Historian,

Peter Doyle, will be giving a special talk at Great War Huts based on his latest book 'For Every Sailor Afloat, Every Soldier at the Front'.

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Using original sources and illustrations, Peter will be sharing the story in this new talk, accompanied by a unique one-day exhibition of original

surviving 1914 Gifts.

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This special one-off exhibition will include many rare examples of the gift tins, original contents and paperwork along with named examples with provenance.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A session.

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As the talk has a festive theme, our original First World War Recreation Hut will be decorated in traditional Edwardian Army hut style! And of course, there will be plenty of festive refreshments available on the day!

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Talk - £6

Talk + Signed copy of Peter's book - £26

(plus booking fee)

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Christmas at
Great War Huts

- Saturday 18th December 7pm -

The Suffolk Concert Band will be performing at

Great War Huts' first ever Christmas concert!

Join us for an evening of festive fun as the

Suffolk Concert Band perform a mix of well-loved

Christmas carols, popular music and tunes from the

First World War.

The performance will be held in our original Great War recreation hut, which will be decorated in an authentic Edwardian Christmas style.

There will be plenty of festive food and drink available

to purchase on the night!

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Although founded in 1967, the Suffolk Concert Band had a military background, and can trace their lineage all the way back to the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment during the First World War. Over fifty years after their formation the band has developed into a versatile ensemble of musicians from Ipswich and the surrounding locale.

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Tickets £10 (plus booking fee)