FIREPOWER OPENS IN WOOLWICH
this post dates from May 2001 - Firepower had a troubled existence with low visitor numbers and constant funding crises They closed (I forget exactly when) in 2017-18ish
So:-
FIREPOWER takes a challenging, dramatic and emotional look at the role of the “Gunner” in peacetime and war. It provides an innovative glimpse of the story of artillery, and in particular the Royal Regiment of Artillery that was founded nearly 300 years ago. It takes visitors from slingshot to supergun, from Crécy to Iraq, and is undoubtedly London’s most explosive day out!
Using the unique collections of the regiment, mostly unseen by the public before, this is the first time that the fascinating story of artillery can be told properly. Comprising cannons, mortars, guns, medals, artefacts and library and archive collection, this will not be a standard regimental museum but a modern family attraction. The emphasis is very much on lively and engaging displays for the whole family, with many interactive elements and simulator experiences that recreate the duties of a Gunner.
The centrepiece will be the ground-shaking “Field of Fire”, a major multi-media presentation that puts the viewer in the centre of the action. This spectacular bombardment of the senses will captivate and provoke visitors into realising what life as a 20th-century Gunner has been like, through war and peace. The Gunnery Hall and History Gallery give a more traditional approach to the collection and tell the story from Roman times to modern day. Everyone can muck in at “The Real Weapon” gallery, which shows the functions of ammunition and the principles of hitting the target - very much a ‘hands-on’ area.
Come to the free Firepower Extravaganza on 27 and 28 May to celebrate the opening of this brand new visitor attraction for South-East London. With displays by the Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery, the Royal Artillery Bands and the Pipes and Drums, live firings of artillery through the ages, spectacular parachute drops, paint ball for the kids, a tribute to the ‘animals of the artillery’, fun fair and lots more, Extravaganza promises to be an explosive day out for all the family. Gates are open from 10am to 6pm.
Firepower, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
10am to 5pm Daily. Admission: Adult £6.50 Child £4.50 Concessions £5.50