Eden Camp and Pickering are teaming up to bring the 1940s back to North Yorkshire this weekend, with family-friendly activities promising nostalgia and fun.
Back To The 40s was originally known as ‘Pickering War Weekend’ – however, after an absence of six years, the now rebranded event will place greater emphasis on civilian life during wartime Britain.
Pickering town councillor Joy Andrews said the event is “very important to the majority of the businesses in the town, including surrounding areas who offer B&Bs, campsites and hotels.
“The businesses within the marketplace welcome this as a big earner just before the quiet run up to Christmas.
“And other groups like the Scouts, Beck Isle Museum, The Memorial Hall & churches use it as a fundraiser for their charities.”
Cllr Andrews accepts that the influx of visitors does annoy some residents. But she added: “Tourism is a necessary evil which allows Pickering to have a full complement of shops including four independent butchers shops.
“We are seriously punching above our weight as far as independent shops go for the size of the town.”
To entertain the hundreds of tourists expected to descend on Pickering and Eden Camp over the weekend, there are many events that take place.
The Beck Isle Museum will host a dedicated 1940s costume exhibition, for example.
The Kirk Theatre will feature a talk on the Bletchley Park Code Breakers, and the Memorial Hall will hold a vintage emporium.
Live entertainment at Eden Camp will include classic music from the era in the Heritage Hall and Garrison Bar.
There will also be an evening dance class and vintage shopping with nine different trade stalls available.
Pickering will undergo a town-wide transformation, including shops, cafés and pubs which will be given a Forties-style makeover.
Back to the 1940s takes place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October. Further information can be found here.
