Vintage 1940s weekend revealed for Lavenham

Next year, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa will join with vintage events group, The Baker Boy Collective, to host a series of 1940s events across one weekend.

The array of vintage experiences will take place between 19th and 22nd May 2017 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the US forces arriving in the east of England in support of World War Two.

The weekend will include events such as a 1940s swing dance, vintage afternoon tea, films, shows and a history talk about the 487th Bombardment Group, 8th USAAF (United States Army Air Force).

The 487th Bombardment Group were based at the nearby Lavenham airfield during the war and often visited the Airmen’s Bar at The Swan at the time.

There will also be a walk to Lavenham airfield and a commemorative service in the church, and groups will also be able to see 1940s vehicles and vintage fashions worn around the village.

1940s re-enactors will also be walking around the village.

On Sunday 21st May, the nearby Hedingham Castle will host A Vintage Affair. The day will see live music, vintage hair styling, classic cars and over 50 stalls set out on the lawn in front of the castle.

Future events

Groups looking further ahead will find that the vintage themed events will continue to be held annually in Lavenham in May 2018, 2019 and 2020.

These events will lead up to the 75th  anniversary of VE Day on 8th May 2020.

Lavenham will mark the creation of Lavenham Airfield between the 18th and 21st of May 2018, and the following year, between the 17th and the 20th May 2019, the commencement of operational flights by the 487th Bombardment Group will be remembered.

All events and experiences will culminate in a celebration and commemoration of VE Day on 8th May 2020, with another series of events from 8th to the 11th May 2020.

For more information visit www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk.