North Yorkshire town to step back into 1940s this weekend

(Image: Freelancer)

A North Yorkshire town will be stepping back to the 1940s this weekend as part of a celebration of the era.

The event, now in its second year, has seen Pickering Town CIC pull together the town’s tourist attractions, businesses and community groups to provide a fun-packed event celebrating the music, fashion and food from the decade.

Events in Pickering will see a road closure on Saturday and Sunday on the Market Place and Smiddy Hill with the streets lined with period vintage vehicles.

Miss Marina Mae, Johnny Victory and The Lahdidahs are set to headline from The Conservative Club balcony with supporting live acts and 1940s DJs dotted in community spaces about the town.

The Pickering Yarnbombers have also been getting into the ‘make do and mend’ spirit by recycling donated wool to decorate the town.

Alongside the town’s activities, Eden Camp, an original 1940s POW camp near Old Malton, will be brought to life its existing historical exhibitions with live displays, period entertainment, vintage vehicles, military re-enactments, demonstrations, stalls, food and family activities.

A free vintage shuttle bus, funded by Visit North Yorkshire, will connect both locations over the weekend, broadening the visitor experience and making it easier for visitors to enjoy both attractions, whilst highlighting the complimentary military and civilian aspects of the 1940s.

Carrie Brackstone, Operations Manager of PTCIC said; “The success of the event last year proved testament to our volunteers and the community spirit of the Town with us pulling in ‘favours’ from everywhere to get the show on the road in just four months. This year, we have had a little longer to fundraise and plan and would like to thank all of the businesses who have supported us.

"We are using every spare inch of the town to breathe nostalgia into Pickering with the Vintage Emporium at the Memorial Hall, a military vehicle display up at the Castle, a vintage tea-dance area and ‘Pickering at War’ exhibition at Beck Isle Museum, lindy-hop workshops at NYMR and of course, evening performances at the cosy Kirk Theatre.

"But my personal highlight, will be the re-enactment of a 1940s Wedding Blessing at St Peter and St Paul’s Church on the Saturday afternoon with an open invitation for guests from the 1940s community to attend.”

As well as donations from local businesses, the weekend has been supported by Pickering Town Council, North Yorkshire Councillor Joy Andrews, Ryedale Lions and The Rotary Club with headline sponsorship by the Alba Rose Care Home which has been an integral part of the Pickering Community for over 35 years.

Aaron Padgham, Managing Director of Saint Cecilia’s Care Group, said: "We’re delighted that Alba Rose Care Home is sponsoring this year’s Pickering 1940s Weekend, an event that celebrates community spirit, heritage and the stories of a generation that has shaped so much of our lives today. Many of our residents have personal connections to this remarkable period in history, making the event especially meaningful for them. Supporting special occasions like this is an important part of our commitment to enriching lives, bringing people together, and remaining at the heart of the communities we serve. We look forward to seeing residents, families, visitors and local businesses come together to make this year’s event another fantastic success."

Pickering 1940s Weekend runs from October 9 to 11, with free entertainment in the Market Place and Smiddy Hill, running from 11am until 4pm on the 10 and 11. Events will run throughout the weekend at Eden Camp Modern History Museum with a 1940s dance on the evening of Saturday 10. Visit Eden Camp’s website for more information to book.

A programme of events for Pickering is available to buy from REEDS newsagents.

For more information go to Pickering 1940s weekend on Facebook.