General Conduct & Respect
- The event is a respectful educational portrayal of World War II history. Participants and visitors must behave in a manner that honours the memory of those who served and suffered during the conflict.
- No glorification of extremism, war crimes, or genocide. Portrayal of Waffen-SS or units with prohibited insignia (e.g., SS runes, Totenkopf, swastikas on flags/vehicles unless strictly educational and pre-approved) is prohibited at Wartime at Walden 2026. Check with organisers for permitted impressions.
- No political demonstrations, modern slogans, or behaviour that could be interpreted as promoting hate.
- Illegal drugs and excessive alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited. Participants found under the influence during active periods (battles, public hours) will be removed.
- Treat all participants, public, stewards, and marshals with courtesy. Any aggressive or unsafe behaviour will result in immediate ejection.
Age & Participation Requirements
- Minimum age for battle participants: 18 years (due to noise, pyrotechnics, blank-firing weapons, and physical risk).
- Participants aged 16–17 may take part in non-combat roles (living history, displays, camp duties) with parental/guardian supervision and written consent.
- All minors under 18 must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- All battle participants must attend the mandatory safety and authenticity briefing.
Health & Safety – General
- All participants must familiarise themselves with the site's risk assessment and emergency procedures (evacuation routes, first aid points, etc.).
- Hearing protection is strongly recommended for anyone near blank-firing weapons or pyrotechnics (neutral-coloured earplugs or period-style options preferred).
- No running, horseplay, or unnecessary physical contact outside scripted scenarios.
- Personal first-aid kits are recommended; major incidents must be reported immediately to stewards or first-aiders.
- Participants with medical conditions that could be affected by physical activity, smoke, noise, or dust must inform organisers in advance.
Weapons & Blank-Firing Rules
- All firearms (including blank-firing replicas, deactivated weapons, and replicas) must comply with current UK firearms law (the Firearms Act 1968, as amended).
- Blank-firing weapons may only be used/handled by individuals with an appropriate Section 1 Firearms Certificate or under event exemptions/licences held by organisers/armourers.
- No live ammunition of any kind is permitted on site.
- Weapons must remain on safe/unloaded when not in use, entering/exiting vehicles, or in public areas.
- No aiming directly at heads/faces at close range (minimum safe distance typically 5–10 metres depending on calibre/weapon type).
- Blank weapons must be inspected by the Safety Officer or appointed Armourer before use.
- No firing outside designated battle times except for supervised testing (in a cleared area, away from the public).
- Edged weapons (bayonets, knives) must be blunt or period-correct replicas; no sharpened items in public/battle areas.
Pyrotechnics, Explosives & Smoke
- All pyrotechnics (maroons, thunder flashes, smoke grenades, etc.) may only be used/handled by licensed personnel or under the direct supervision of a qualified pyrotechnician holding appropriate certification (Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2010 compliance).
- Pyrotechnics must be stored securely and used only in pre-approved locations/times.
- Minimum safe distances must be observed (typically 15–30 metres from public/spectators).
- No improvised or home-made explosive devices.
- Smoke devices must be non-toxic and used responsibly to avoid affecting visibility for drivers/emergency services.
Vehicles & Mechanised Elements
- All show vehicles, both military & civilian, are from the WW2 era and are pre-1945 only.
- All military vehicles must comply with DVLA regulations, roadworthiness, and event insurance requirements.
- Tracked/armoured vehicles must have qualified drivers, no unauthorised passengers during movement.
- Vehicles must maintain slow speeds in public/camp areas (walking pace).
- Fuel and oil storage must follow site fire safety rules.
Authenticity & Uniform Standards
- Uniforms, equipment, and impressions should aim for reasonable historical accuracy for the portrayed unit/period (1939–1945).
- Modern items (sunglasses, wristwatches, mobile phones, and synthetic fabrics visible to the public) must be concealed during public hours/battles.
- Period eyewear or neutral-coloured modern equivalents are permitted where necessary for safety.
- Modern aids (e.g., hidden earpieces for safety communication) are allowed if not visible.
- No modern vehicles are allowed in Living History Display areas.
Public Interaction & Living History Areas
- Participants are encouraged to remain in character during public hours unless safety requires otherwise.
- No charging admission fees, begging, or commercial activity without the organiser's permission.
- Respect spectator barriers and no-go areas.
- Photography/filming is permitted unless restricted by organisers (e.g., for child protection).
Enforcement & Sanctions
- The event organisers have final authority on all safety, conduct, and compliance issues.
- Violations may result in warnings, removal from scenarios, ejection from the site, or banning from future events.
- Serious breaches (e.g., unsafe weapon handling, intoxication during battle) will be reported to relevant authorities if necessary
Insurance & Liability
- Participants to hold their own public liability.
- All participants/groups registering for this event are acknowledging risks inherent in reenactment activities (noise, pyrotechnics, physical activity, etc.).
By participating, you agree to follow these rules to ensure a safe, respectful, and educational event for all involved. The organisers reserve the right to amend these rules for site-specific requirements or changes in UK legislation
