Shropshire Star

Thousands attend Severn Valley Railway 1940's weekend - in photos

More than 7,000 visitors donned their glad rags and got in the mood during the Severn Valley Railway’s colourful, flag-waving Step Back to the 1940s Weekends.

Published
There was a creation of a wartime wedding.

A key highlight of the visitor calendar, the much-loved weekends saw the entire railway transformed into a colourful snapshot of wartime Britain, on June 24 and June 25 and July 1 and July 2.

Visitors boarded the intensive service of ‘evacuation trains’ along the 16-mile line, occasionally finding themselves next to some rather familiar faces, of costumed actors dressed as Sir Winston Churchill and King George VI.

People lined the platforms to catch a glimpse of the much-anticipated battle re-enactment at Highley, soaking up the action as paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines and undertook their mission to capture an enemy ammunition train, while at Arley Station, crowds of onlookers cheered on a happy couple as they exchanged vows during a 1940s wedding.

If all that action was not enough, visitors were treated to an exhilarating fire-fighting re-enactment and display at Kidderminster, courtesy of the NFA & AFS Vehicles Group.

The Engine House Visitor Centre was home to a vintage market, while replica air-raid shelter, bombed-out building, shop, ARP Post, hospital train and classic and military vehicle displays were also on offer, along with a range of music and entertainment along the line.

There were plenty of toes tapping and hips swaying as the platform at Kidderminster station was transformed into a dance hall during the evening Big Band Concerts, featuring the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra and special guests, the D-Day Darlings, with proceedings rounded-off with a dramatic ‘air raid’ finale.

Lewis Maddox, the railway events co-ordinator said: “The atmosphere was fantastic over the four days.

"The sun shone, and spirits were high as one of our favourite events got into full swing.

"From Spitfires flying overhead to ferocious fire-fighting, more than 7,000 visitors donned their finest vintage clothing to step back in time, all with smiles on their faces.

“We’ve had such a positive response to the event on social media, and everyone’s asking what the plans are for next year and all we can say is wait and see, you won’t be disappointed.

The railway will be opening the doors to its Engine Sheds and Carriage Works during Peep Behind the Scenes on July 15, offering visitors a glimpse at the inner workings of the railway.