Enjoy the fabulous forties at Milton Keynes Museum

You definitely don't want to keep mum about the next big event at Milton Keynes Museum – the return of the hugely popular 1940s weekend.

Despite being an era famous for ration books, there will be no rationing of entertainment at this event happening August 31 – September 1.
Visitors will be able to step back into history and absorb all the sights and sounds from the decade.

Weather permitting, eyes will be drawn to the skies for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flypasts, which will see a Spitfire and Lancaster overhead.

Down on the ground things will be positively bustling with a Village Fete and its own flower and vegetable show, and if you fancy a cheeky nibble, cakes made to wartime recipes will be showing that thrifty could still mean very tasty.

A good old sing-song did wonders to raise spirits during wartime, and over in the Vintage Tea Room (where 'Nippy' waitresses will serve you) the divine Miss Lola Lamour will return with her dulcet tones ready to impress.

Get on the dance floor and show off your best moves to the tunes from the era, and shake loose to a rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, or Chantanooga Choo Choo, why don't you? Or check in with DJ Mick Wilson's Memphis Belle Music.

More music will sound from the Granary Marquee, where James Cooper Watson will be singing under the guise of ENSA, an organisation set up in 1939 to provide British armed forces personnel with entertainment.

When you feel in need of a little liquid refreshment, pop to the Granary Tea Room for a cup of tea or coffee, a soft drink or a nibble of something nice.
A selection of sandwiches and soups will also be served. More chances to munch will be offered over at the courtyard caravan.
Those old enough might like to pay a visit to the museum's street of shops for a swift pint of the wet stuff at The Angel Inn...

Speaking of taverns, do swing by and take a look at The Tanglefoot Pub on the green – a watering-hole straight out of the 1940s.

The NAAFI will also be giving you a taste of times past, and a variety of crafts and games will take attentions – try your luck at hooking the battleship, or see how you fare at the coconut shy...

Artefacts from the underground movement will prove interesting too.

This year's event will boast some new traders visiting for the first time too. What will you find?

Over in the garden, Mrs Skivvy will be working up a sweat doing the washing. Do pop by and exchange pleasantries with her.

There will be GI encampments, and the Home Guard will be on hand – watch them take on each other with a Village Tug of War, and then there will be a chance for you to get involved and try your luck against them!

You'll be wanting to know about air raid precautions of course. Step right up – the museum has all you need to know.
Small re-enactment group Free French will depict the French military, and a large display of period wedding dresses in the Ancient Gallery will bring a little romance to the retro event.

You'll need to be on your best behaviour when you visit though – the police will be attending!

So come on, call up your friends and family, put on your old kit bag and enjoy one of the best all-ages events for miles around!


Standard admission prices apply – which will also give you FREE entry for the following 12 months; adults £10, child £7, retired & unwaged £8.
A family ticket (admitting two adults and up to four children) is £30.
For up to date information and event timings for the weekend visit www.mkmuseum.org.uk

Summer season opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 11am-4.30pm
Address: Milton Keynes Museum McConnell Drive
Wolverton Milton Keynes
Sat-Nav it: MK12 5EL

 

Pic: Al Hunter

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