Haworth 1940s Weekend 2019
The quaint village of Haworth is located within 3 miles of Keighley and is home to one of the stations of the Keighley and Worth Valley Heritage Railway. Every year, the village goes back in time to the wartime forties, with hundreds of visitors and locals swarming into the village centre. If you are thinking about attending next year here are a few highlights from this year that might just convince you. Haworth 1940s Nostalgia Weekend seems to offer something for everyone:
Haworth 1940s Military
If you’re a militaria nut, this is the event for you! Each year, reenactors portraying a plethora of military units from the second world war descend upon the village. The British Army and Home Guard, RAF, Navy, United States Army and German Wehrmacht are just a few of the portrayed by dedicated reactors. Along with their pristine uniforms, the reenactors often display their period weapons and vehicles. Finally, reenactors will stage a breath-taking re-enactment of a WWII battle, using blank-firing weapons and grenades, giving you the real sights, sounds and smells of gunfire, with the action of the fight.
Also, for the military enthusiasts, there is usually a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The BBMF is an RAF unit dedicated to the preservation of a squadron of WWII aircraft, some of which served in the Battle of Britain. These include Mk.IIa Spitfire P7350 which actually served in the Battle of Britain and The last of the airworthy Lancaster Bombers in Europe. Also serving in the squadron are flying examples of the Hurricane Fighter and the Dakota a transport aircraft also used to drop paratroopers throughout the war. If the weather permits it, the flypast will take place.
Haworth 1940s Railway
For railway fans, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a heritage railway that operates vintage rolling stock and steam engines from the 1940s. The railway always enters into the spirit of the event, decking out their platform at Haworth with vintage props from the time. There is absolutely no doubt that travelling by steam train through the Yorkshire countryside surrounded by people in period dress will put you into the spirit of things.
Haworth 1940s Entertainment
We were located in the main park area.
The week before we had singing Trio Christopher and The Robins visit
our showroom to get kitted out in 1940s style clothing for their gig, we helped them look the part as you can see.
They were belting out popular 1940s songs on the bandstand. They were fab and have already been booked for next year. It was great to see them head to toe in Revival vintage and they were kind enough to give us a plug.
Throughout the weekend there are other entertainers putting on shows for your listening & viewing pleasure. Top of the bill this year was Amanda Beaumont, a singer and “40s sweetheart” who performed on the main street. Also performing was Rocky Hunter, stationed behind the US Army Truck nearby the American Café. Rocky is said to be able to wow audiences with his quick wit and banter definitely one to look out for.
If you love to dance then there is certainly plenty of opportunities to join in https://youtu.be/gU-KzF2yqzA
There was also a wartime speech from 'Churchill'.
Haworth 1940s Classic Cars
Classic car enthusiasts were not left disappointed either, the main cobbled street was lined with prime vintage cars.
There were some fine examples of workmanship from the period and they really do help set the scene. Mark and I were up and about early as they were arriving. Managed to take a few pictures before the expected influx. I am wearing one of our 1940s replica Beau Belle dresses. Mark wears a Revival blue stripe vintage style shirt & tank top.
Revival Vintage Stall
If you are reading this blog, it is highly likely that you like your vintage fashion. There are always plenty of stalls to browse and buy from including our own of course. Thank you to all those who stopped by to see us this year. I'm rubbish at remembering to take photos so if you have any tag us in or send them. I did take a picture of this lovely lady who was wearing a beautiful 1960s vintage jacket she bought from us. I remember feeling very jealous when she bought it because it was one I really wanted to keep for myself!!
Of course, my favourite moment of the weekend was meeting Chris from Corrie who bought a pair of our own brand grey notchback trousers. Such a lovely guy, taking time out to pose with me when he must get fed up of doe-eyed women asking for selfies. He was very patient and obliging with everyone.
Post-event the organisers can't relax too much because they do it all again for their 1960s event 22-23 June. If you want to look the part for this take a look at some of our sixties clothing for ladies and 1960s clothing for men here.