The Pickering WW2 Experience

Why we are Partial to Pickering

Pickering is a small town in North Yorkshire not far from where I was brought up and went to school.  

Residents enjoy a fairly peaceful existence with a smattering of tourists using it as a base to explore the North Yorkshire moors.  However for three days in October it is rammed with visitors and traders as the town transforms into what looks like an epic war time forties film set as it hosts a programme of WW2 and 1940's themed events. Started 25 years ago by North Yorkshire Moors Railway enthusiasts to showcase their restored steam train it has grown and taken over the whole town.

This year the event takes place Fri 13th - Sun 15th October.

Attractions

These include singing, dancing, workshops, parades and fashion shows, in addition to living history showcases, period vehicle exhibitions and re-enactments. These days visitors flock from the rest of the UK and beyond.

In the market place there are traditional childrens rides such as helter skelter

Over the three-day event families can also hop on board steam and heritage diesel trains and relive the amazing spirit and camaraderie of World War II.

There are dances in the evening including one Frday and Saturday at the Blackswan pub where they are having a marquee complete with wooden dance floor.  You will need to contact them for tickets in advance if you would like to join in.

PARADES

Saturday 14th October

Foot Parade

Leaving the Junior School just before 11 am there is a walking parade led by the Yorkshire Corps of Drums and will include all disciplines of the military, followed by convoy of 1940s military vehicles.  The route takes it down Middleton Road, Bridge Street, Market Place, Birdgate, and Smiddy Hill finishing on Hallgarth. 

Military Vehicle Parade

The Military Vehicle parade will follow the foot parade up Market Place, Birdgate, and Smiddy Hill, Hungate and then along the Ropery to start a second loop up the Market Place again. 

Sunday 15th October

Civilian & Military Vehicle Parade

From 11am there will be a civilian vehicle parade with classic vehicles such as a 1930s Austin 10, Rolls-Royce convertible and period motorcycles. The Military parade will be repeated with a civilian parade following this the same route.

Stalls

This is where we come in.  This year Revival will be behind the White Swan above which is a beautiful public house on the main high street.  Find us over looking their carpark in our very own 'bicycle shed' which we have hired for the weekend.  Most people dress up in 1940's clothing and accessories for the weekend.  Over the forties weekend you tend to stand out more if you are in modern clothing than you do wearing atire from the decade.  If you want to blend in more or add to your collection come along and take a look at what we have to offer.  Here is a taster of the type of stock I will be taking.  I am setting up on the Thusday so there will be three full days of trading for myself and other stalls.

Revival Forties for Men

This year I will be taking shirts, tank tops, waistcoats, and traditional knitwear, 1940s style suits and country tweeds plus Fedoras, newsboy caps, braces and other accessories.

 

Revival Forties for Women

For the girls I am taking original forties dresses plus a selection of quality reproductions.  Knitwear, swing pants, jackets, coats and loads of great accessories such as handbags, gloves and hats.

Whether you want to dress up in this type of clothing or military uniforms and get involved, or just do some fascinating people watching, it’s an excellent event and fantastic fun for the whole family. 

For more information on the Pickering War Weekend visit their website & facebook page.