Yorkshire 1940s Weekends
Yorkshire’s 1940s Weekend events take place across the summer and autumn months annually in some of the county’s most beautiful market towns and villages. The vintage 1940s calendar kicks off in May with Haworth’s celebrated weekender. Yorkshire Dales centres Ingleton and Leyburn host their 40s weekends in July whilst Dales centre Grassington goes 1940s in September.
Pickering showground on the edge of the North York Moors hosts its wartime weekender in October and Yorkshire steam railways also hold classic 1940s events each year including the popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway 1940s weekend every October. Take a journey back in time, and dip into one of Yorkshire’s 1940s events this year!
Haworth 1940s Weekend – May
West Yorkshire’s most popular vintage event, the Haworth 1940s Weekend attracts huge crowds from far and wide, and always raises thousands for the Soldiers’, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA). All proceeds from the event go to Forces’ charities. Many arrive in classic vintage style to Haworth station via the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and the cobbled Main Street is lined with vintage 1940s vehicles, bunting and shop window displays all in a 1940s style. A free vintage shuttle bus service also operates between Haworth Station and the Bronte Parsonage, along with fly pasts, terrific tea dances and vintage markets in the village’s parks.
Bridlington Old Town 1940s Festival – June
Bridlington Old Town 1940s Festival takes place in mid-June annually and features a fantastic entertainment programme in a superb heritage seaside setting. The event attracts big name 1940s style performers such as Lola Lamour and The George Formby Experience. Other highlights include over 800 fabulous food and 1940s vintage stalls, re-enactments, displays of vintage vehicles, choir performances, a singing town crier and more. Browse the festival’s website (link below) and facebook page for the latest events and happenings this year. Book accommodation early for this very popular Yorkshire 1940s event.
Ingleton’s 1940s Weekend – July
Ingleton village on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales goes classic 1940s in July annually, offering a fun packed weekend of classic nostalgia. The event features 40s swing discos, a military parade, vintage vehicle displays, 40s themed exhibitions, tea dances and vintage market stalls. The waterfalls village is the perfect setting for a combined vintage and walking weekend.
Leyburn 1940s Weekend – July
Head to pretty Yorkshire Dales market town Leyburn in late July for their 1940s weekend. Remember the war years in Wensleydale and enjoy a fabulous Saturday night dance along with vintage vehicle displays and themed events centered around the Wensleydale Railway with station stop at Leyburn.
Whitby War Weekend – August
This fabulous three day event takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend on the cliff top at Whitby next to the Abbey. The event features Living History Displays, Firing Displays, Battle re-enactments, Tank Rides, Display Stands, Vintage Motorcycles, a 1940s Hair Stylist, a Vintage Fair, Live performances and Jump Jive and Swing. Evening Dances also take place on the Saturday and Sunday, and there’s plenty to eat and drink too! If you love all things vintage then this is the place to be across the August Bank Holiday weekend!
Grassington 1940’s Weekend – September
Grassington goes 1940s with its weekender annually in September, beginning on the Friday evening with great musical entertainment featuring Lindy Hops and a brass band. Head to the town hall for the tea dance, and other highlights include vintage vehicle and aircraft displays in Grassington central square, vintage market stalls and more!
Pickering 1940s Weekend & Whitby Spirit of the 40s & Swing Era – October
Taking place in the main arena of Pickering Showground situated just south of the North York Moors market town, the Pickering Wartime & 1940’s Weekend is held annually in October. Organised in conjunction with ‘Britain Does Vintage’, this classic 40s event features a wealth of day and night entertainment from singers, dancing and workshops to 1940s fashion shows, best dressed competitions, living history performances and World War II re-enactments. Vintage fairground rides for the kids also form part of the event.
Coinciding with the Pickering 1940s weekend event in October, the Whitby Spirit of the 40s Swing Era event takes place at Whitby Pavilion on West Cliff.
Make it a perfect vintage weekend escape and travel between Pickering and Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway to enjoy both events!
Whitby’s 40s extravaganza usually kicks off at 7pm and goes on till late. The event features a big band dance, singers and more. Tickets are available from the Whitby Pavillion or from Linda on 01947 605 407. Find out more on the event’s official facebook page below.
Steam Railway 1940s Events
Not only do Yorkshire villages host Fabulous Forties weekend events, you’ll also find them on the region’s vintage steam railways. Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in mid-October and experience the Railway in Wartime with stations like Goathland and Grosmont along the route hosting street parades, re-enactments and vintage vehicle displays. The little Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway also features a 1940s weekend event annually in September ‘Celebrating the Bull dog spirit of the home front’. Re-enactments take place across this weekend event, and vintage trains take on a 1940s theme.
Yorkshire 1940s Events
