SPECTATORS were left open-mouthed at one of the noisiest army demonstrations.

It was boom time bust at Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, as the resident garrison, the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers, showed off some of the loudest guns in the Armouries' collection, complemented by a display from the mounted gunners.

In contrast to the blasts of the mighty 64 pounders the more genteel pastimes of yesteryear were reflected in an enchanting Victorian magic lantern show.