In late May I decided to visit the Haworth 1940s Weekend. I’d never attended this particular event before but I’m not a stranger to 1940s Weekends in general. I’ve previously attended the Sheringham 1940s Weekend a number of times and I’ve also been to the East Lancashire Railway 1940s Weekend before as well.
Haworth 1940s Weekend Photos
These 1940s events appeal to a wide range of people. Some attend because they are attracted to this period in history and they visit dressed in original or reproduction costumes from this era. Others might visit because of an interest in classic vehicles from the time or because they are steam railway fanatics. For myself and others like me it’s all about the photographic opportunities, particularly street portraits of those attending in period costume.
For most of the weekend I based myself on Main Street in Haworth. This beautiful Yorkshire village is famous for its connection to the Bronte family. Main Street itself makes a perfect location to host a vintage weekend since the architecture is old fashioned. Even the shop signage and fonts used seem sympathetic to a bygone era. Like most 1940s Weekends there is also a steam railway, though the Haworth station is a short walk from Main Street. Some who attended the Haworth 1940s Weekend would have based themselves in Keighley and made their way to Haworth on the steam train.
I decided to take just two prime lenses for the weekend. For head and shoulder portraits I mostly used a Samyang 85mm f1.4 lens. For full body or group photos I would switch to a Samyang 45mm f1.8 lens.
Many of those dressed in 1940s costumes will be wearing a military uniform, whether that’s a British uniform, an American uniform, a French resistance uniform or in some rare cases a German uniform. All of 1940s civilian life is also depicted though, everything from child evacuees, Land Girls and even 1940s spivs trying to sell nylons!
To entertain visitors there is also some live music including George Formby tribute act Kyle Evans who appeared both days and Hayley’s Little Big Band who appeared on Sunday.
As well as some classic cars parked in Main Street, visitors were also treated to a fly past both days, a Lancaster bomber on Saturday and a Spitfire on Sunday.
Haworth 1940s Weekend – More Photos and Information
If you think you might like to attend the Haworth 1940s Weekend in future years a good place to get more information is the following Facebook group:
Haworth 1940s Weekend Facebook Group
This group contains posts with all the information a visitor could possibly want to know, including car parking option for the weekend. Naturally people also post their photos from the weekend on this Facebook group too. If you would like to see more examples from this event you might also like to visit my blog post article from the 2023 Haworth 1940’s Weekend.
