Great Central Railway 1940s Weekend

Get your ration cards ready and victory rolls ready and step back in time for the GCR's much-loved 1940s Weekend! With vintage trains, live entertainment and re-enactments, period displays, and an atmosphere bringing the era of wartime Britain vividly to life.

Classic Vehicles:
Step outside and explore an impressive display of classic vehicles, including military transport, vintage cars, motorbikes, and steam traction engines. From wartime utility vehicles to elegant pre-war motors, these machines help bring the 1940s to life – off the rails and onto the roads!

Live Entertainment:
Soak up the sounds of the 1940s with live bands, singers, and dance demonstrations throughout the weekend. From swing and big band classics to the melodies that kept morale high, get ready to tap your feet. Plus, with a newly installed dance floor in the Quorn and Woodhouse Marquee, so you can jive and relive the music of the era! New for this year will be an entertainments marquee at Rothley station.

Re-enactors:
The past comes to life with reenactors in period clothing, recreating the spirit of the Home Front and wartime Britain. From soldiers on duty to land girls and civilians, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the 1940s. Highlights will include a re-enaction involving Merchant navy seamen and a demonstration of war time firefighting. And don’t forget – make sure you have your ID card ready!

Steam Hauled Trains:
Watch history in motion with authentic steam-hauled passenger and goods trains running throughout the weekend. See how vital wartime freight was transported and experience travel as it was during the 1940s – pulled by the power of steam.

Taste the 1940s:
With wartime rationing in full swing, we’re bringing the flavours of the decade to life. Enjoy a pint of Quorn Tin Shed Real Ale or tuck into special 1940s-themed menus at all our food outlets.

Browse and buy vintage products:
Our trader village is being re-located to Quorn, with stalls offering vintage clothes, accessories and jewellery.

Authentic Displays:
Delve deeper into the decade that was dominated by war with authentic displays of Allied forces, civilian life, and local history. From military encampments to Home Front exhibits, discover how ordinary people played their part in Britain’s wartime effort. Learn about the challenges of daily life, the resilience of communities, and the vital role of railways in keeping the country moving.

Free Evening Dances:
Re-live the atmosphere of a 1940s dance hall with live music on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Dancing to Lady Lindy Sings and DJ Woody on the Friday, and Ding Dong Daddios on the Saturday, these two FREE dances will evoke the spirit of a different age.