More than a thousand people met First World War soldiers and heard live gunfire at a re-enactment weekend.
A live fire demonstration using blanks and a mock air display were among the attractions at Bourne Hall Museum, in Ewell, at its From Trench to Town weekend, marking the centenary of the start of the First World War.
Museum assistant David Brooks said: "The highlight was the firing because I think it brought it home to a lot people what the noise was like.
"The ambulance was very popular and the skit around the aircraft was very funny and serious at the same time."
A musical ensemble performed wartime songs and there were talks on gas warfare, weapons, medical treatment and rations for soldiers.
Lisa Sanday, who took her children along, said: “My sons particularly enjoyed the talks on machine guns and weapons.
To read more World War 1 stories visit www.epsomguardian.co.uk/ww1
"The live action firing was a successful highlight. My six-year-old was a wounded soldier and it was explained how he would have been taken care of. He liked the plane and firing the best.
“My nine-year-old was a private to help identify friend or foe and assist in grenade launching.
“I think that the weekend had a different affect on him. He didn't realise how noisy the guns were and that there were only three guns firing and what would the sound have been like on the battlefield.
“He seemed more thoughtful afterwards and said it was a shame that there were wars.”
Dedicate a tree for £20 to someone who lived or served in the First World War. Call 0800 915 1914 or go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mylocalpaper
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