May events: Step back in time at East Lancashire Railway

Rawtenstall, Lancashire

Join the East Lancashire Railway to party like its 1949 in Rawtenstall, Lancashire where the blitz spirit is still going strong.

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.

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East Lancashire RailwayEast Lancashire Railway © Visit Lancashire
A young boy with a solider at the 1940s festival at East Lancashire RailwayA young boy with a solider at the 1940s festival © Visit Lancashire
A boy riding on the train at East Lancashire RailwayA boy riding on the train at East Lancashire Railway © Visit Lancashire
1940s Wartime festival at ELR Lancashire1940s Wartime festival at ELR Lancashire © Visit Lancashire
Two young boys kitted and ready to play at 1940s festival at East Lancashire RailwayTwo young boys kitted and ready to play at 1940s festival © Visit Lancashire

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