Once Upon a Time the Liberated PdC
Historical reenactment of the Liberation at the Lampisterie Park in Haillicourt
About PdC Liberated
"Once Upon a Time the Liberated Pas-de-Calais": A Journey Through History
Every year in September, the Lampisterie Park in Haillicourt transforms into a vast World War II military camp. The association Véhicules Militaires d'Artois (VMartois) has been organizing this historical reenactment event dedicated to the Liberation of the Pas-de-Calais for over thirty-five editions, making it one of the largest gatherings of military vehicles in France.
A Life-Size Military Camp
Nearly 300 period military vehicles – jeeps, half-tracks, tanks, trucks, and ambulances – are gathered at the Lampisterie Park, forming an impressive military camp recreated with remarkable fidelity. More than 600 collectors from six European countries participate in this event, dressed in period attire, recreating the atmosphere of the Liberation in every detail.
The Grand Parade
The most spectacular moment of the event is the grand parade of military vehicles. This exceptional convoy travels 180 km through more than 40 municipalities in the Pas-de-Calais, from Haillicourt to Béthune, passing through numerous villages. Residents line the route to cheer on the passage of this moving historical procession.
Various Activities
Alongside the camp and the parade, the event offers a rich program of activities: a market for military items and souvenirs, concerts (about fifteen over the weekend), commemorative processions in the evening, and demonstrations. The entire site is designed for an immersive experience in the era of the Liberation.
Haillicourt and the Duty of Remembrance
Haillicourt, a town in the mining basin of the Pas-de-Calais, holds a special attachment to the duty of remembrance. The Lampisterie Park, a former mining site converted into a leisure area, symbolizes the transition between the industrial past and historical memory. The event helps transmit the history of the Liberation to younger generations.
A Free and Family-Friendly Event
Access to the Lampisterie Park and all activities is completely free. This commitment to accessibility, supported by VMartois volunteers, allows everyone – families, history enthusiasts, veterans – to participate in this moment of collective memory.
PdC Liberated — edition 2026
The 40th edition of « Il était une fois le Pas-de-Calais Libéré » will take place from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Parc de la Lampisterie in Haillicourt. For this anniversary, the VMartois association brings together over 300 vintage military vehicles and more than 800 collectors from eight countries, featuring a Liberation camp, a grand parade, concerts, and remembrance ceremonies. Access is entirely free.
40 Years of Liberation Memory
For its 40th edition, « Il était une fois le Pas-de-Calais Libéré » will be held from September 3 to 6, 2026, at the Parc de la Lampisterie in Haillicourt, at the foot of the twin slag heaps classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by the Véhicules Militaires d'Artois (VMartois) association (founded in 1989), this anniversary promises one of the most significant World War II reenactments in northern France.
A Life-Sized Military Camp
Over 300 vintage military vehicles — jeeps, half-tracks, trucks, ambulances, and armored vehicles — and more than 800 collectors from eight countries recreate an Allied Liberation camp. Participants dress in period attire, recreating the atmosphere of September 1944. A military equipment and objects fair brings together over 30 exhibitors, complemented by food stalls and refreshment stands.
The Grand Parades and the Duty of Remembrance
The highlight of the event remains the parade of military vehicles through the streets of Béthune and Haillicourt, as well as convoys that travel across the entire territory (approximately 270 km in total through more than 60 municipalities of Pas-de-Calais). Eight ceremonies honoring those who died for the Liberation and two nocturnal commemorative marches punctuate these four days, in a spirit of transmission to younger generations.
Entertainment and Concerts
Alongside the camp, about fifteen concerts are scheduled over the weekend, along with period demonstrations and entertainment. The entire site, with free and open access, is designed as an immersion into the Liberation era, open to families, history enthusiasts, and veterans.
Programme PdC Liberated 2026
The 2026 edition takes place over four days at the Parc de la Lampisterie, with the following opening hours:
- Thursday, September 3: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday, September 4: 10:00 AM – midnight
- Saturday, September 5: 10:00 AM – midnight
- Sunday, September 6: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The program for the entire weekend includes: Liberation military camp (over 300 vehicles, more than 800 collectors from 8 countries), militaria fair (over 30 exhibitors), vehicle parade through the streets of Béthune and Haillicourt, convoys through more than 60 municipalities, about fifteen concerts, two nocturnal commemorative marches, and eight tribute ceremonies. Food and refreshment stands on site. The detailed hourly program for 2026 was not yet published at the time of verification.
Prices PdC Liberated 2026
Practical information — PdC Liberated
Access
By car: Haillicourt is located 5 km from Béthune, accessible via the A26 (Béthune exit). The Lampisterie Park has free parking for visitors.
By public transport: Shuttles may be organized from Béthune during the event. Béthune station is served by TER Hauts-de-France trains.
Practical Information
The event takes place over 4 days in early September at the Lampisterie Park in Haillicourt. Access is completely free.
Food and drinks available on site. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.
Contact
Véhicules Militaires d'Artois (VMartois)
Website: vmartois.fr
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Where does it take place — PdC Liberated
Parc de la Lampisterie
Parc de la Lampisterie, 62940 Haillicourt