This is second instalment about Severn Valley Railway’s famous wartime extravaganza, ‘Step Back to the 1940s’!
This spectacular themed event takes place on Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July followed by events on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2018.
This annual event turns back the clock with its light-hearted journey to wartime Britain.
In our last blog, we turned the spotlight on famous faces, how you can play the part and on the historic aircraft flypasts.
This blog takes you on a whistle-stop ‘tour’ of the various stations along the Severn Valley Railway line. Find out more about this heritage attraction here: http://www.svr.co.uk/InteractiveMap.aspx
Arley Will Be Your Next Stop
See how the medical staff coped in the Royal Army Medical Crop Advanced Dressing Station.
If you love caravanning, then don’t miss the vintage caravan and vehicle display.
There is also a weapons display, a Home Guard demonstration drill, a HomeFires display with an ARP Post and Bomb Disposal Demonstration (30th June and 1st July only).
There will be a bomb disposal demonstration and an Anderson Air Raid Shelter behind Platform 2.
Have your confetti ready at Arley for two wartime weddings at 11.15am and 2.15pm on all four dates. Singer Kevin Mack will croon away in the background.
This year also marks 100 Years Since the End of World War One … and to mark this special occasion, visit the Edith Cavell Van, the wagon that brought back the body of Nurse Edith Cavell from Belgium in 1919. She helped 200 prisoners of war escape before she was caught and executed. The following year, the same wagon brought back the remains of the Unknown Warrior prior to the funeral held at Westminster Abbey, representing the thousands of souls who died during World War One without identification.
Commemorative ceremonies will take place at 10.30am 1.30pm and 3.30pm each day.
Highley and the Engine House
Get ready for a highly explosive re-enactment – a German troop train is about to be attacked by allied paratroopers and the members of the French Resistance … the rest is top secret!
There is also a Vintage Marketplace in the Engine House with all manner of vintage clothing, home-wares and much more.
The Allied Encampment and display of military vehicles will be pleasing to the eye, and you can pretend you have royal blood by visiting the King’s Royal Saloon, while live entertainment will be provided by Hattie Bee.
Hampton Loade
So how about the Paddock Miniature Railway, Home Guard demonstrations, displays and demos by the Royal Warwickshire Re-Enactment Group, classic vehicles and thankfully, the safe arrival of the evacuees? And a chance to meet Monty, Churchill and the King between 11.30am and 12.30pm … it’s all happening at Hampton Loade!
Bridgnorth
An award-winning pub with award-winning beers is right next to the platform; 1940s music will get your feet tapping, and there’ll be a vehicle display, including a wartime military ambulance, an Austin and a Triumph, and a chance to relax and browse along a display about the history of RAF Brignorth.
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 not forgetting
By having a look at the Air Raid Shelter; the ARP Post; and not forgetting the Royal Engineers Memorial Locomotive display in its smart War Department livery as No. 307.
And you can’t attend this fantastic event without spending time in the Museum of Railways Memorabilia.
And to finish
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