Friday 13th*, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June

*Friday 13th June is scheduled as a schools education day and there is also a private photography charter on this day. Trains are open to the public and will operate a standard non-event service with our regular fares applying.

About the Event

After the success of our first 1940s weekend in 2024, the event returns bigger and better in 2025 as "Wirksworth Back to the 40s" by Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Next year the town is getting involved with window displays, decorations, and many local businesses taking part in the ration book raffle, too!

Also new for 2025 is the military encampment at Idridgehay station. There'll be a variety of captivating military displays and vehicles here, all against the backdrop of the railway line with the steam engine passing by.

At Wirksworth, the trader village returns with even more stalls offering various items including vintage clothes and military memorabilia as well as a host of other items. The Wirksworth station concourse will feature live music and entertainment from vintage entertainers who will be dazzling the crowds blasting out the favourite hits from the 40s.

Wirksworth station yard will see a gathering of homefront displays and classic vehicles for you to wander around and learn about life in Britain during the Second World War.

Each day will feature a programme of different acts and exhibits which will be added to this page in due course.

Reenactors, Traders, and Vehicle Owners

Application forms for passes for living history groups, traders, and pre-1950s classic vehicles can be found below.

Reenactors and living history groups

Traders

Vehicles (military, civilian, and commercial)

 

Camping

There are a number of options for living history groups and reenactors who wish to camp.

Tent camping for living history groups is available at our Idridgehay military encampment. Period tenting is preferred here, however we will not turn down groups who wish to bring modern tents.

There is some space for motorhomes/caravans at our Wirksworth station site.

Local camping options are also available, and we have an arrangement with Lees Meadow campsite just a 5-minute drive from Wirksworth.

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