The DSEI Arms Fair 2019

Every two years, the Defence and Security Equipment International event comes to London's ExCel centre. Due to protests around the perimeter fencing, security is always tight but the sights and sounds inside the massive conference centre are always worth the effort.

As a veteran of many conferences over the years, ranging from drum and percussion expos, to sex industry exhibitions and political party conferences, the formula for these events is pretty much identical with the objects on sale being the only variable. Keyrings, stickers and sweets greet delegates on every stall, with bigger budget manufacturers holding court behind closed doors in their temporary chalets, for invited guests only.

Covering the DSEI involves trying to find the unusual, among the extraordinary. If that sounds nonsensical, you have to take into account just how unusual it is to see such weaponry, equipment and munitions on display in the UK. Once you see this as the base level, it's then a case of hunting for the next level.

Many thanks to the organisers of the DSEI for access to this event.