THOUSANDS of people attended what was a record-breaking event for a popular Dorset museum. 

The Tank Museum in Bovington saw 4,500 people come to see its Tiger Day held on Saturday, April 27. 

Guests flocked from across the country to watch the world’s only running Tiger I tank in action. 

The Tiger 131 runs only twice a year on Tiger Day in April and September and attracts visitors from all over the world for the rare opportunity to see this fierce German weapon. 

Museum curator David Willey said: “The Tiger 131 is the most famous tank in the Museum’s collection and was an important prize when it was seized by the Allies in 1943. 

“Over 80 years from its capture, the Tiger 131 is still fascinating crowds and playing an important role in telling the story of tanks and the people that served in them.” 

Highlights of the day included a battle re-enactment and WW2 tank display, including fellow Hollywood film star Sherman ‘Fury’ in a unique demonstration of historic tanks. 

As well as all the thrilling action, visitors were able to get up close to the vehicles in the arena and see live artillery firing. 

Tiger Day, usually a sell-out event, will return in the autumn with tickets available on the Tank Museum’s website. 

Last year, the Tank Museum saw more than 220,000 people visit in 2023 – a new record on what was also the museum’s 100th year. 

A 17 per cent growth on 2022, the museum also became the first in the world to reach more than one million views on its YouTube channel, earning it international headlines. 

The attraction was recommended to be a museum in 1923 before officially opening to the public in 1947.

It features around 300 tanks ranging from the very first ‘real tank’ built, the Little Willie.

It also features tanks and machinery from Afghanistan this side of the century. 

This weekend the Tank Museum will feature daring mountain bike displays and supercars in a Tracks and Wheels event on Monday, May 6.