Welshpool 1940s event continues to grow as railway introduced
If you saw this line-up of people on a Mid Wales station platform today you would think you had stepped back in time.
That is exactly what will happen next month as Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway steps back over 70 years for the annual Welshpool 1940s weekend running from September 29 to October 1.
The event has continued to grow in the last two years, and will further expand with the introduction of the railway into the weekend line-up.
Both Welshpool and Llanfair stations will be involved in the event with singers, displays and re-enactors platforms to bring the 1940s to life.
A number of activities will take place and a vintage Crosville bus will link Welshpool Town Centre with the Raven Square station.
Station general manager Charles Spencer said: "Passenger trains with goods wagons attached will represent the important agricultural traffic that the railway carried all through the 1940s, and a military goods train will be hauled by ex-Ministry of Defence diesel engine 'Ferret' built in 1940.
"We're also looking forward to hosting re-enactors and musicians on our platforms and trains to bring the 1940s to life."
Event organiser Alan Crowe said the event has grown a lot since it was held as an anniversary event for the end of the Second World War.
He added: "The railways involvement will help secure the Welshpool event in the 1940s calendar. What began in 2015 as a one off event to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2 has now grown so much that it has gained a reputation for being an up and coming event that is value for money."
As an added bonus travellers on the train over the 40s weekend wearing 1940s uniforms will travel for half price.
Full details of the weekend can be found on Facebook - Welshpool Forties Weekend or website www.welshpool1940sweekend.co.uk.
