Vintage 1940s Weekend

1940s Weekend Man And Woman Close

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.

Highlights include live music from vintage entertainers, dance classes, traditional bands, vintage stalls and a flypast by a real Lancaster Bomber!

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

Current Line Up

  • RAF Flypast
  • 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

Please note:

Access to Bury Station Platform is via Vintage 1940s Weekend ticket only.

Access to platforms at other stations is offered at the discretion of the respective station master.

Saturday 25 May
What’s On Who Where When

Rachel Mercer

Rachel is making a triumphant return to the East Lancashire Railway and will be performing a great selection of vintage music ideal for flag waving and singing along, with plenty of lively tunes for visitors to dance to.

Heywood Station

10:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Lancashire Belle

The Lancashire Belle has a well-deserved reputation as a classy and sophisticated vintage act, whether she is performing heartfelt songs from the home front or upping the tempo with a lively dance number.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Leeds City Stompers

A high energy trio playing swing, blues and jazz like its the 1930s. Boasting a repertoire of big band hits, they will be Swinging and singing throughout the weekend.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Speech by Winston Churchill

The British Bulldog himself will be in attendance giving some of his most famous speeches from Britain’s finest hour.

Bury Station

11:30 & 14:45

Vintage Cream Tea in Bar Car and Observation Saloon

Is there anything more British than a Vintage Cream Tea? This quirky diversion is based in the beautifully restored Bar Car and Observation Saloon and sets off from Bury Station at specific points throughout the day.

Departs from Bury Station – Card payments only

Bar Car – £12 for travel and Cream Tea, £6 for Travel.

Observation Saloon – £6 Travel

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Vintage Stalls

Browse the vintage stalls in search of hidden treasures, bric-a-brac and memorabilia. Perhaps you will find the perfect pair of dancing shoes to go with a new polka dot dress or a genuine antique to remember the occasion by!

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Standard 4 Group Shop

Selling model railway paraphernalia, it’s a one stop shop for hobbyists.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Paul Harper

Paul Harper is a veteran of the East Lancashire Railway’s 40’s themed events and has been entertaining for over 10 years. Enjoy family entertainment from the golden age of variety, including the musical impressions of Max Miller, George Formby and many more.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

The Ronnies

A close harmony vintage vocal group from sunny Shropshire, specialising in the sounds of the 1940s.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Christopher and the Robins

Another cracking vocal trio, this time from Yorkshire, chirping the cheery tunes of yesteryear.

Rawtenstall Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Lilli Moore

Lilli will be performing live at the event and covers a wide range of styles, specialising in music from the 1940s. She’s a classic singer with a retro style, and her idols include greats like Vera Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald and the Andrews Sisters.

Rawtenstall Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Rossendale Male Voice Choir

The Rossendale Male Voice Choir have been rolling out the hits since they were founded in 1924 and since then they have been winning competitions (and hearts) all over the country. They will be getting into the swing of things on the platform at Rawtenstall Station.

Rawtenstall Station

11:00

George Formby Appreciation Society

Paying tribute to the life and work of one of Wigan’s most famous exports, actor, comedian and singer George Formby. Join them at Bury Transport Museum and enjoy renditions of all of George’s hits.

Bury Transport Museum

11:30 – 16:00 (Intervals)

A Train Swing Dancing Marquee

A-Train Swing provides vintage themed dance classes. Whether you want to bust out a bunny hop, try your hand at the hand jive or take on the twist, this is a great way to get into the swing of the event.

Bury Transport Museum

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Rum and Cola Girls

The Rum and Cola Girls are a duo that specialise in the recreation of the classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Their matching outfits help to set the scene as they take you back in time with songs from all of the greats, including the Andrews Sisters, Doris Day, Nat King Cole and more.

Bury Transport Museum

11:00 – 16:00 (Intervals)

Shunting Display

Watch locomotives from times gone by go about their duties from the viewing area at Bury Transport Museum.

Bury Transport Museum

09:30 – 16:00 (Intervals)

David Taylor Mechanical Organ

It’s the sound of times gone by. Sited in Bury Transport Museum, Mr. Taylor will be belting out a variety of tootling tunes.

Bury Transport Museum

09:00 – 16:00 (Intervals)

Sunday 26 May
What’s On Who Where When

Blue Bird Belles

The Bluebird Belles are a vocal harmony trio from the west midlands and have been dubbed the best thing since The Andrews Sisters. The girls specialise in retro sounds from the 1920s onward and are sure to provide a bit of vintage glamour to your day.

Bury Station

10:35 – 15:40 (Intervals)

Washboard Resonators

The Washboard Resonators are often described as a Ragtime Street Band crossed with a Hollywood Musical circa 1932. You won’t be able stop tapping your toes!

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Speech by Winston Churchill

The British Bulldog himself will be in attendance giving some of his most famous speeches from Britain’s finest hour.

Bury Station

11:45 & 14:45

Vintage Cream Tea in Bar Car and Observation Saloon

Is there anything more British than a Vintage Cream Tea? This quirky diversion is based in the beautifully restored Bar Car and Observation Saloon and sets off from Bury Station at specific points throughout the day.

Departs from Bury Station – Card payment only

Bar Car – £12 for travel and Cream Tea, £6 for Travel.

Observation Saloon – £6 Travel

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Vintage Stalls

Browse the vintage stalls in search of hidden treasures, bric-a-brac and memorabilia. Perhaps you will find the perfect pair of dancing shoes to go with a new polka dot dress or a genuine antique to remember the occasion by!

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Standard 4 Group Shop

Selling model railway paraphernalia, it’s a one stop shop for hobbyists.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Lancashire Belle

The Lancashire Belle has a well-deserved reputation as a classy and sophisticated vintage act, whether she is performing heartfelt songs from the home front or upping the tempo with a lively dance number.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Christopher and the Robins

Another cracking vocal trio, this time from Yorkshire, chirping the cheery tunes of yesteryear.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Paul Harper

Paul Harper is a veteran of the East Lancashire Railway’s 40’s themed events and has been entertaining for over 10 years. Enjoy family entertainment from the golden age of variety, including the musical impressions of Max Miller, George Formby and many more.

Rawtenstall Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Rum and Cola Girls

The Rum and Cola Girls are a duo that specialise in the recreation of the classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Their matching outfits help to set the scene as they take you back in time with songs from all of the greats, including the Andrews Sisters, Doris Day, Nat King Cole and more.

Rawtenstall

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Lilli Moore

Lilli will be performing live at the event and covers a wide range of styles, specialising in music from the 1940s. She’s a classic singer with a retro style, and her idols include greats like Vera Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald and the Andrews Sisters

Bury Transport Museum

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

A Train Swing Dancing Marquee

A-Train Swing provides vintage themed dance classes. Whether you want to bust out a bunny hop, try your hand at the hand jive or take on the twist, this is a great way to get into the swing of the event.

Bury Transport Museum

10:00 – 16:00

Shunting Display

Watch locomotives from times gone by go about their duties from the viewing area at Bury Transport Museum.

Bury Transport Museum

09:30 – 16:00 (Intervals)

David Taylor Mechanical Organ

It’s the sound of times gone by. Sited in Bury Transport Museum, Mr. Taylor will be belting out a variety of tootling tunes.

Bury Transport Museum

09:00 – 16:00

Monday 27 May
What’s On Who Where When

Lilli Moore

Lilli will be performing live at the event and covers a wide range of styles, specialising in music from the 1940s. She’s a classic singer with a retro style, and her idols include greats like Vera Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald and the Andrews Sisters.

Heywood Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Ashby Little Big Band

Consisting of saxes, brass and rhythm, this “little” big band sound like a band twice their size and are sure to jazz up your weekend!

Bury Station

12:00 – 14:00 (Intervals)

Lancashire Belle

The Lancashire Belle has a well-deserved reputation as a classy and sophisticated vintage act, whether she is performing heartfelt songs from the home front or upping the tempo with a lively dance number.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Speech by Winston Churchill

The British Bulldog himself will be in attendance giving some of his most famous speeches from Britain’s finest hour.

Bury Station

11:30 & 14:45

Vintage Cream Tea in Bar Car and Observation Saloon

Is there anything more British than a Vintage Cream Tea? This quirky diversion is based in the beautifully restored Bar Car and Observation Saloon and sets off from Bury Station at specific points throughout the day.

Departs from Bury Station – Card Payments Only

Bar Car – £12 for travel and Cream Tea, £6 for Travel.

Observation Saloon – £6 Travel

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Vintage Stalls

Browse the vintage stalls in search of hidden treasures, bric-a-brac and memorabilia. Perhaps you will find the perfect pair of dancing shoes to go with a new polka dot dress or a genuine antique to remember the occasion by!

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

Standard 4 Group Shop

Selling model railway paraphernalia, it’s a one stop shop for hobbyists.

Bury Station

09:00 – 17:00

The Ten a Penny Footwarmers

Old time music on old time instruments. Martyn & Chris play ragtime, early jazz, blues and string band music like it was done in 1927.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Paul Harper

Paul Harper is a veteran of the East Lancashire Railway’s 40’s themed events and has been entertaining for over 10 years. Enjoy family entertainment from the golden age of variety, including the musical impressions of Max Miller, George Formby and many more.

Ramsbottom Station

09:00 – 17:00

Christopher and the Robins

Another cracking vocal trio, this time from Yorkshire, chirping the cheery tunes of yesteryear.

Rawtenstall Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

Rum and Cola Girls

The Rum and Cola Girls are a duo that specialise in the recreation of the classics from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Their matching outfits help to set the scene as they take you back in time with songs from all of the greats, including the Andrews Sisters, Doris Day, Nat King Cole and more.

Rawtenstall Station

09:00 – 17:00 (Intervals)

RAF Flypast

One of the heroes of the Battle of Britain will be flying overhead to salute visitors at the East Lancashire Railway. Keep your eyes on the skies and be sure not to miss this legend passing by.

Rawtenstall Station

TBC

Middleton Brass Band

The Middleton Band are mainstays at the East Lancashire Railway and will be on hand to provide a triumphant finale to this retro spectacular with a concert at the Bury Transport Museum. Give the celebration the send off it deserves and join us!

Bury Transport Museum

14:00 – 16:00 (Intervals)

A Train Swing Dancing Marquee

A-Train Swing provides vintage themed dance classes. Whether you want to bust out a bunny hop, try your hand at the hand jive or take on the twist, this is a great way to get into the swing of the event.

Bury Transport Museum

11:00 – 16:00

Shunting Display

Watch locomotives from times gone by go about their duties from the viewing area at Bury Transport Museum.

Bury Transport Museum

09:30 – 16:00 (Intervals)

David Taylor Mechanical Organ

It’s the sound of times gone by. Sited in Bury Transport Museum, Mr. Taylor will be belting out a variety of tootling tunes.

Bury Transport Museum

09:00 – 16:00 (Intervals)

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