People have the chance to delve into the past when the BBC's flagship event, World War One at Home, roles into Wolverhampton next month.

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The free, family friendly event will include hands on activities, performances and interactive sessions for visitors of all ages, and is being held alongside The Wolverhampton and Black Country Show at West Park on Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13 July, 2014.

Visitors to World War One at Home will be able to attend The Briefing Room hosted by BBC stars including actor Larry Lamb on the Saturday and One Show reporter Lucy Siegle on the Sunday.

Larry and Lucy will be presenting a series of enlightening talks with expert contributors covering a whole host of World War One topics, including record producer and railway aficionado Pete Waterman who will talk about the history of the railways during the conflict.

Visitors can also volunteer to be put through their paces on an outdoor parade ground and learn about how medicine and communications were transformed during the war, including how carrier pigeons became an invaluable resource for sending messages.

And there will be the chance to have a go at being a war reporter and meet experts from Imperial War Museums to try and search for their families' connections to the war. BBC WM will be broadcasting live from the event.

Wolverhampton is one of 8 venues hosting the World War One at Home tour, which is taking place throughout the summer.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "It will be superb to have the BBC World War One at Home tour at our annual show in West Park. We were thrilled when we heard Wolverhampton was just one of 8 cities selected to host the event.

"We hope both young and old will come along to either find out more about what life was like during the First World War or to share their family connections with experts from the Imperial War Museum.

"At the same time they have got the rest of the Wolverhampton and Black Country Show to enjoy to make a great family day out."

This year's Wolverhampton and Black Country Show promises a host of new attractions including The Signal 107 Sound Stage which will have its own dedicated field featuring a variety of live entertainment.

A talent show, a Banks's Beer Festival serving 16 real ales on tap throughout the weekend, a miniature steam railway and firm favourites like monster trucks, Gerrard Naprous and the Devil's Horsemen, Bolddog Lings Free Style Motorcross Team and Elaine Hill's sheepdog display will provide fun for all as well as fairground rides and a variety of stalls.

Entrance to the City Show is £3 for adults and £2 for children aged between 2 and 16. Visitors to the show will get wristbands giving them access between both the show and the BBC World War One at Home tour, which on its own is a free event.

The BBC World War One at Home show runs from 10.30am to 6pm on both days, with the City Show open from 11am to 6pm.

  • released: Tuesday 24 June, 2014