Pickering’s 1940s Weekend

About

The market town of Pickering, in partnership with Eden Camp Modern History Museum, is reviving one of the UK’s most celebrated 1940s-themed events this October. Thanks to the support of local volunteers and a grant from the Town Mayoral Investment Fund, The 1940s Weekend will return following its hiatus during the pandemic.

Rebranded from the original Pickering War Weekend, the event will now place greater emphasis on civilian life and the town’s community spirit during wartime Britain. The revival also marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan.

Event Dates and Overview

The 1940s Weekend will take place over three days from 10th to 12th October, inviting visitors to experience a town transformed by the sights, sounds and spirit of the 1940s. Local businesses, attractions and volunteers will bring the era to life with themed décor, entertainment and immersive activities.

Key Attractions and Activities

Town-wide Transformation: Shops, cafés and pubs will be styled with wartime décor, offering a nostalgic atmosphere throughout Pickering.
Shuttle Service to Eden Camp: A return shuttle bus will operate between Pickering and Eden Camp on 11th October for £5 per person.
Eden Camp Experience: Live performances of 1940s music, dancing by York Vintage Dancers in period costume, and access to 22 original prisoner of war huts filled with wartime exhibits.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Steam trains will run towards the coast, offering passengers a historic travel experience.
Beck Isle Museum: Hosting a dedicated 1940s costume exhibition.
Kirk Theatre: Featuring a talk on the Bletchley Park Code Breakers.
Memorial Hall: Home to a vintage emporium during the weekend.
Town Decorations: The Pickering Yarn Bombers will adorn streets with 1940s-themed knitted installations.
Marketplace Attractions: Vintage car displays, costumed characters, live music, and dancing in the town centre and local pubs.

Celebrating Community and Wartime Resilience

Mike Potter, chairman of Pickering Town Community Interest Company, shared his enthusiasm for the return of the event, emphasising its importance to the town’s heritage and its focus on civilian life during wartime. He commented:

“We’re immensely proud to be bringing back one of the country’s best-loved events that celebrates the community spirit of those wartime years, particularly in this very special 80th anniversary year… Rather than focussing on the frontline wartime experience, people can expect a weekend that celebrates civilian life; an event where they can really immerse themselves in a bygone age and get a sense of how people still found joy and resilience in the face of adversity.”