For my first 1940s weekend of 2025 I decided to visit the ‘Step Back To The 1940s’ event at Severn Valley Railway. This would take place on two seperate weekends and I decided to visit on the first weekend. In the end I just visited for the Saturday on 7th June, parking at Kidderminster train station.
The Severn Valley Railway is a steam train experience that covers a few stations including Kidderminster, Bewdley, Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade. The stations had a variety of things to see, from classic cars, live music from the era, dancing and some character actors representing famous characters from the time.
Severn Valley Railway 1940s Weekend
My main reason for visiting the event was to take street style portraits of those dressed in period costume. I have also taken photos of the vintage cars or old advertising posters during some other 1940’s weekends but it’s portraits that are my main focus.
Being split across so many different train stations meant I did not get the chance to photograph as many people as I would like to. I found the train took quite a while to pass all the stations and so I didn’t actually leave the train at every station. I did photograph a mock 1940’s wartime wedding at Arley station but I spent the majority of my photography time at Kidderminster station where there was a 1940’s hairdresser, some shops from the time as well as a police station.
There is something about an old steam train which is really special. I think it’s a combination of the look, smell and noise of a stream engine as well as the quality of finishing of the carriages themselves with wood finishing. It must be said however that the upholstery on most steam trains is slightly tired in terms of support.
Step Back To The 1940s Photo Gallery
I didn’t take as many photos as I normally do at events. I will feature a few below but you can see some more of my images at the following Facebook album.
