From August 14–16, FORT is hosting a festival featuring demonstrations of both historical and modern air defense equipment and military vehicles, as well as talks, personal stories, and a quiz contest for children. Admission is free all three days; guided tours of Stevnsfort are available for an additional fee.
Threat scenarios of the past and present, the rebuilding of the Danish defense forces, the experiences of the first professional women in the military, and life as a “pilot’s child” in Stevns. These are just some of the perspectives on military history that will be explored at the FORTfestival August 14–16.
The festival kicks off on Friday, August 14, when the newly established Air Defense Wing will showcase its equipment and demonstrations. This gives visitors a rare opportunity to experience past and present air defense side by side, as the Air Defense Wing is the successor to the HAWK missile system, which is on display at FORT. And that’s just one of the connections between the past and the present at the festival.
– The festival combines the experience of the tangible aspects of the Cold War with new and surprising perspectives on history from a number of fascinating speakers who offer unique insights and experiences from the Cold War era. In the current situation, these stories are more relevant than ever, says Anders Knudsen, curator at FORT/East Zealand Museums.
What does the future hold for the museum?
The FORT Festival also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the East Zealand Museums, which, among other things, operates FORT. That’s why Sunday also offers a chance to identify cultural-historical artifacts and win free tickets to the popular guided tours of Stevnsfortet, and guests are invited to share their ideas on what the local museums should focus on in the future.
FORTfestival Program
Friday, August 14, 10:00 a.m .–3:00 p.m.: Air Defense Wing and HAWK
The Air Defense Wing, which has taken over from the HAWK missiles at FORT, is exhibiting and demonstrating equipment.
Saturday, August 15: The site opens at 10 a.m.*
Explore the vehicle fleet, see the Guard Hussars’ weapons collection and mortar firing, ride along in the Piranha crew carrier, and visit the HAWK camp’s control vehicles and missiles.
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Vehicle presentation
Meet all the vehicles and see them in action.
3:00–4:00 p.m.: Preparations for the parade
Watch the large FORT convoy being assembled before departure.
4:00–5:30 p.m.: Parade drive in Stevns
The convoy is heading out: FORT, Mandehoved, Gydevej, FORT.
FORT Talks
Host: Anders Knudsen, Museum Curator
1:45–2:30 p.m.: Air Defense During the Cold War
Hans Nielsen, retired colonel (NIKE/HAWK).
2:45–3:30 p.m.: The Danish Defense Today
Hans Peter Michaelsen, defense analyst and guide at FORT.
Sunday, August 16: The venue opens at 10 a.m.
The same program at the venue as on Saturday.
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Competition
East Zealand Museums is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Guess a special item from our storage and win two free tickets to all of our locations. Also, share your thoughts in the collaborative project: What should the museum of the future look like?
FORT Talks
Host: Anders Knudsen, Museum Curator
1:00–2:00 p.m.: The First Women in the Armed Forces
Aase Schioldan, a guide at FORT, and “KRIS” on airspace surveillance in a three-story bunker.
2:15–3:30 p.m.: Being a “flyer kid” in Stevns
May-Britt Diechmann, who grew up in Stevns as the daughter of a father in the Air Force.
Practical Information
The festival will take place at FORT, Korsnæbsvej 60, 4673 Rødvig
The festival’s schedule is available at:
August 14, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (kickoff with Air Defence Wing)
August 15, 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (parade drive in Stevns)
August 16, 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
The festival is open to both children and adults. Admission is free all three days.
Guided tours of the underground are available for an additional fee, and FORT is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information:
Museum Curator Anders Knudsen, ak@oesm.dk / 51 19 96 43