Vintage 1940s Weekend

Save the date for forties fun!

The East Lancashire Railway is excited to announce the return of our hugely popular 1940s celebration over the spring bank holiday weekend.

This family focused event has successfully run at the East Lancashire Railway for many years and is one of our best attended days out in the annual calendar, seeing hundreds descend on the railway to immerse themselves in the spirit of the times.

Last year we went out of our way to find out what our participants and visitors valued most about this event, and we have paid careful attention to their feedback. In 2024, the weekend is going to centre around the social and musical backdrop of life in Britain in the 1940s.

We want to recreate the hope, the celebrations and the music of those bygone days, as well as the enormous pride everyone felt and continues to feel for the British and Allied forces for their sacrifice.

From the stoicism of the families supporting troops from home, to the great outpouring of celebration and hope in our hometown and across the country when victory was finally achieved. We want to capture all the most positive aspects of this unique period in our nation’s history.

With that in mind we will be encouraging a real atmosphere of joy, bringing to life the fashion, music, dancing, memorabilia and food that we know visitors will love.

Dressing in period costume is a big part of the weekend too and we want to encourage as much participation as possible. If you wish to dress in military uniform please note that in keeping with the theme of the weekend, only British and Allied forces will be permitted.

We can’t wait for you to join us to celebrate this incredible time period.

Current Line Up

• Blue Bird Belles
• The Ronnies
• Lilli Moore
• Rachel Mercer
• A Train Swing
• Lancashire Belle
• Rum and Cola Girls
• Winston Churchill (Derek Herbert)
• Leeds City Stompers
• Washboard Resonators
• The Ten-a-Penny Footwarmers
• Ashby Little Big Band
• Rossendale Male Voice Choir
• Middleton Brass Band
• Paul Harper
• Christopher and the Robins
• George Formby Appreciation Society