The Sheringham 1940s Weekend has over time become one of the most popular 1940s Weekends in the UK calendar. Like many 1940s Weekends the central focus is around a steam railway. This particular weekend is still often referred to as the North Norfolk Railway 1940s Weekend. This train line is also known as The Poppy Line. Steam trains would travel between the stations of Sheringham and Holt, also stopping at Weybourne. The shops and businesses of Sheringham and Holt began to be much more actively involved, so much so that the weekend tends to get referred to as the Sheringham 1940’s Weekend by most people. Shops will often change their window displays for a 1940s theme and even the local hairdresser will offer ladies a 1940s hairstyle!
Sheringham 1940s Weekend – Period Costumes
Firstly if you have decided to visit for the whole weekend you might want to book your accommodation early. The popularity of the Sheringham 1940s Weekend means accommodation is in high demand, especially in Sheringham. Many visitors really get into the spirit of the weekend and dress in period costumes. There are a number of shops, stalls and charity shops both in Sheringham and Holt that will sell vintage clothes. The era provides for plenty of choice, both for men and woman. There are military uniforms, civilian clothing of the time as well as Land Girls and evacuated children. The image below is a good example of the range of costumes you might see.
There are others who decide to impersonate characters from the era. Don’t be surprised if you bump into people who bear an uncanny resemblance to Winston Churchill or characters from Dad’s Army etc.
Classic vehicles
What makes the weekend seem even more authentic is the number of classic 1940s vehicles you will see. Besides the steam trains you can take trips on vintage buses or look at many vintage cars, both civilian and military. Most of the classic vehicles tend to be parked at Holt Station.
If this was not enough you can also expect a fly pass of vintage aircraft. This year it was a Spitfire on Saturday and a Hurricane on the Sunday.
Sheringham 1940s Weekend – The Music
Another thing you can expect if you visit the Sheringham 1940s Weekend is plenty of 1940s music. There are live acts appearing both in Sheringham and Holt. Some are on outside stages, others are indoor venues like pubs. The added dimension of music really does help to transport you back to the 1940s. If you like 1940s dances like the The Jive or Lindy Hop you will find plenty of opportunity to take to the dance floor during the weekend. Some of the acts that performed at the 2019 Sheringham 1940s Weekend included:
- The Skyliner Big Band
- Sarah Mai
- The Knightingales (see image at top of article)
- AndyAV8 Vintage DJ
- The King Size Papas
- Timescape & DJ Drive Time
- D-Day Darlings
- David Van Day
More images
Before finishing this article I will add another couple of photographs from the weekend.
If you want to see even more of my photographs from the Sheringham 1940s Weekend you can find them on my Instagram or Facebook pages.
