Weekend of 1940s nostalgia in Morecambe will mark 80 years since WW2 ended

A line-up of vintage entertainment and wartime nostalgia is promised as a 1940s revival weekend in Morecambe marks 80 years since VE and VJ Day.

The Morecambe 1940s Revival will celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe and Japan with two days of 40s-themed events on Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3.

The event will be centred around the venues of Poulton, including the War Memorial, New Inn and Smugglers Den.

Re-enactors in 1940s wear, and vintage vehicles will bring a true wartime feel to the village. There wil also be a vintage market inside the Memorial Hall over the weekend.

Live music will come from vintage singer Paula Marie, the Lancashire Belle, Chloe Jane Hirst, Amy Anderson Walmsley, top ENSA and George Formby tribute Colin Bourdiec, Jeep Johnson, Rachel Grace and the Accrington Pipe and Drum Band.

Visitors to the festival will be able to meet and greet the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill (Derek Herbert) on the Sunday as he delivers his victory speech in Poulton Square.

The annual Tweedie vintage cycle ride will take place on the Saturday. The ride sets off from the Smugglers Den at a leisurely pace along Morecambe promenade to Heysham Village and back.

Below, the Accrington Pipe Band in Poulton.

Everyone is welcome to come along and join in and your bicycle doesn't have to be vintage. 

A Saturday night Victory Dance in the Trimpell Club will feature live music from the Billionaires and local dance teacher Liz Rogers DJing between sets.

Doors open at 7pm. Proceeds will go towards next year's Morecambe 40s Revival.

Tickets are available HERE.

The weekend has been awarded £3500 by Morecambe Town Council. Below, councillors John Livermore, Geoff Knight, Russell Walsh and Lee Bradbury with members of the 1940s Revival committee.

"This great festival is going from strength to strength and the council is excited to see our support helping it grow year on year," said Councillor Lee Bradbury, chair of Morecambe Town Council’s Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Committee.

"Without Vintage By The Sea taking place this year, the Morecambe 1940s Revival offers the chance for vintage enthusiasts and the curious alike to come and have a different kind of vintage experience at what remains an undiscovered gem for many in Morecambe."

Marie Riding, chair of the Morecambe 1940s Revival Committee, said: "On behalf of the Morecambe 1940s Revival Committee I would like to offer a big thank you to Morecambe Town Council for their help in supporting this event and for their generous grant of £3,500. The grant enables the committee to run a successful weekend festival with great daytime, 1940s-style, free entertainment.

"VIP guests will attending on both days to judge and give out prizes for the 'Best Dressed' competition. We would love to see members of the public embracing the spirit of the weekend by dressing in either 1940s military or civilian clothing.

"Please come along and join in our celebration of this special era and help us to create a memorable VE weekend."

More details at The Morecambe 1940s Revival Facebook page or HERE.