May events: Step back in time at East Lancashire Railway

The 1940s Weekend is one of the East Lancashire Railway’s most popular annual events, welcoming thousands of visitors on a nostalgic trip back to a time of ration books, sharp suits and military uniforms.

A natty outfit is almost a prerequisite as you hop aboard one of the railway’s restored steam trains. Enjoy afternoon tea dances set to 40s swing; vintage and retro fairs; ENSA entertainers; period vehicle displays; battle re-enactments; classic black and white photography shoots; and a military parade.

For the kids, there are old fashioned cars to sit behind the wheel of and retro funfair rides to get dizzy on, while adults can grab a partner (or a classic cocktail) to the swinging soundtrack of a whole host of live bands.