Former soldier Martin Kerry proudly donned his grandfather's medals in tribute to the Royal Engineer's brave service during the First World War.
Fred Kerry, of Sneinton Hill Farm, was gassed twice during the 1914-1918 conflict – and he was one of more than 100,000 Notts servicemen remembered as part of the Poppy Proms on Sunday August 3.
His grandson, who is part of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Association and The Carlton Remembers WWI Group, said: "It is an honour to wear my grandfather's medals. He never spoke to my father about his experiences; it was still a taboo subject at the time, but he used to open up to me about it, I guess because I was a generation removed.
"His stories have helped me to gain a more personal insight into World War One and that's what we want to give the children here."
Mr Kerry, along with other members of the group, were at the free event at Lambley Lane Recreation Ground, Gedling, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War.
The team had recreated a machine gun scene, complete with string and PVA glue barbed wire and bean bag sandbags.
Martin said: "I think it can be hard sometimes for kids to imagine what it was like, but if they get behind the replica machine gun and we say there are a thousand German troops running at you now, they have a better idea about what these poor soldiers had to go through."
Sunshine and picnics were in abundance as visitors flocked to the music festival organised by Gedling Borough Council.
Retired security expert Keith Hollingworth, 60, of Carlton, had brought friends, family, picnic tables, chairs and Union Jacks to the event.
He said: "It is because of the great sacrifice and bravery of those soldiers, one hundred years ago, that we are able to be here today and enjoy this.
"It has brought the whole community together and it is great to have a good event this side of Gedling."
As well as music from Newstead Brass and the Carlton Male Voice Choir, there was a living history display by The Diehard Company and an opportunity to step back in time to a childhood where yo-yos and spinning tops replaced Xboxes and iPads.
The marquee, which was run by Gedling Play Forum, invited children to decorate their own peg doll and play with traditional toys such as a Jacob's Ladder, as well as make their own tissue paper poppies.
Shakira Childs, 11, of Carlton Academy said: "They had to make do in the war and make their own toys. I love arts and crafts so I'm going to have a go at it at home too."
How will you mark the centenary? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
