Severn Valley Railway to host wartime themed 40s event

The Step Back to the 1940s weekends will transform Seven Valley Railway into a colourful snapshot of wartime Britain in June and July.

The events, taking place on 30th June – 1st July and 7th – 8th July, will mark the centenary of the end of World War One and also 100 years of the RAF and will be held at different stations.

What can visitors expect?

A replica of the Mk X1 Spitfire, flown by the famous James Edgar ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, the highest scoring RAF pilot to survive the war, will be on display. The public will have the opportunity to wear the uniform supplied by the owners, and have their photo taken alongside the vehicle on selected days.

Throughout both weekends there will be famous faces, battle re-enactments, plus big band shows on both Saturdays. 

There’ll be costumed characters too with the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and King George VI making appearances. Re-enactors will travel alongside passengers on the intensive service of ‘evacuation trains’ along the 16-mile line, from Kidderminster in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire, and at each of the stations along the way, there will be things to see and do.

Kidderminster will also play host to some firefighting re-enactments and firefighting vehicle displays. There you can get your own ration books, visit the hairdresser to get your 'Victory Rolls' spruced-up, and enjoy free vintage bus rides.

Groups visiting will gain an insight into wartime life with the replica air raid shelters, ARP Post and tobacconist, and wave the evacuees off as they head to safety in the countryside.

In addition, at many of the stations and sites there will be vintage vehicles, clothes and memorabilia stalls, and buffet food.

There’s even more for groups to enjoy and full details of the event line-ups can be found on the website.

For more information, visit www.svr.co.uk.