It’s full steam ahead for Severn Valley Railway’s famous wartime extravaganza, ‘Step Back to the 1940s’!
This is the first of two blogs telling you all about this fabulous event which takes place on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July, and Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2018.
This annual event will attract the crowds as the railway helps turn back the clock with its light-hearted journey to wartime Britain.
Daytime events take place up and down the railway line, with costumed re-enactors at the various stations and the locomotives also getting involved.
This is a ticketed event and details can be found here: http://www.svr.co.uk/ShowTickets.aspx?cat=6&subcat=5
So – Who’s Coming?
Winston Churchill and King George VI will be there (better practice your bows and curtsies!).
There will be music in the air with the likes of the D Day Darlings, who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.
This year will also see the return of the Big Band Show, always a popular part of the proceedings.
Other light-hearted appearances include ‘Beware of the Spivs’ along with nostalgic flypasts by historic aircraft including the Hurricane, Spitfire, Dakota and Lancaster during the event (subject to availability and weather conditions).
Play the Part!
So you can nip into the hairdresser and have your hair styled with a Victory Roll; take a ride in the vintage buses and see other vintage vehicle displays; there’s even a chance to wave off some evacuees during the event.
Emergency Service
So one of the most crucial emergency services during World War Two was the fire fighting crews and you can be wowed and inspired by an exhilarating re-enactment at 4pm each day, along with a display of fire fighting vehicles.
Find out more here: http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=49
Down the Line
Visit the 1940s house at nearby Kidderminster, and have your ration books at the ready! Meet the LDV Members (forerunners of the Home Guard) and if you love classic, vintage clothing, then there are stalls aplenty. Pop into the heritage tobacconist for a unique glimpse into the past.
The Next Station Will Be …
In nearby Bewdley, there will be a vintage vehicle display and to mark the centenary of the creation of the RAF, get up close to a replica MK X1 Spitfire (June 30th and July 1st only). You can even try on a uniform and totally look the part!
There’s a licensed buffet too so you can take in some refreshments.
Big Band Show
Takes place on June 30th and July 7th from 7.30pm.
Find out more information here http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=120
And to finish …. At least for now …
Feel that lump in your throat with the closing ceremonies, which take place at 4.45pm on both Sundays.
Please note! All details above are correct at time of publication.
Please check timings haven’t altered before you travel.
Ensure you have tickets where needed.
Allow lots of extra time for your journeys.
All the above is subject to change at short notice.
Find out more on this webpage: http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=49
In our next blog, read all about what’s happening at Arley, Highley, Brignorth and Hampton Loade, all part of the Severn Valley Railway.