Magnificent steam trains will be joined by a Spitfire flying display, vintage military vehicles and even an appearance by Winston Churchill at this year’s Kent & East Sussex Railway 1940s weekend 19th & 20th May.
Visitors will be given their own identity cards and can enjoy unlimited travel for the day, with steam trains running every 45 minutes between Tenterden and Bodiam. There is a packed programme of events at both stations and parking is free at Tenterden and Northiam. Spitfire displays will take place at the Railway on both days, subject to weather conditions. Churchill will not be the only character paying a visit – Viv the Spiv can be spotted with his black market goods!
Popular 40’s group My Favourite Things will perform at Tenterden on Saturday and the Swingtime Sweethearts on Sunday. Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers will be dancing on both days .Vintage stalls will sell authentic 40s clothes and accessories.
There will be the opportunity to learn how Air Sea Rescue helped airmen forced to ditch in the Channel and to talk to the ARP Air Raid Precaution teams for an insight into life on the home front. Vintage military and civilian vehicles will be on display.
There is free entry to the award-winning Col. Stephens Railway Museum, which tells the story of Col. H.F. Stephens, the founder of the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
Bodiam Station will feature interactive land army displays and activities. There will be costumed re-enactors, military and civilian vehicles and a Desert Rats encampment display with authentic kit, weapons and a variety of jeeps. Miss Holiday Swing and Mr Adam Hoffman will sing popular tunes from the 40’s and Vintage Allsorts are providing a pop up tearoom.
KESR’s Product & Reservations Manager Helen Douglas said: “Following the well-attended event of last year, we are really excited to welcome back so many of our regulars for another action packed weekend at the railway.”
This popular event gets very busy so pre-booking tickets for collection on the day is strongly recommended
