Visitors to the Watercress Line will get into the ‘swing’ of things when they travel back in time for a thrilling weekend of the 1930s glitz and 40s ‘Home Front’ wartime nostalgia later this month.

A New Era - 30s & 40s Weekend will be held at the Watercress Line’s Alresford and Ropley heritage stations on June 17 and 18, with ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ and ‘The Queen Mother’ making VIP appearances as re-enactors mingle with the crowds. 

Dress up in period costume (if you wish!) to soak up the atmosphere - enjoy fabulous jive music and nostalgic songs from the swing era; explore a variety of stalls selling vintage goods; view vintage vehicles including ‘War Bikes’; and find out more about military history and life in the 1940s. 

There will be unlimited train travel on the Watercress Line’s steam trains all weekend, giving passengers the chance to explore the nostalgic entertainment at the heritage stations. 

Enjoy a picnic or refreshments the T-Junction, West Country Buffet and a beer tent and from music and dancing from the 1930s & 1940s and enjoy yesteryear tunes from That’s Jive and singers Stephanie Belle and Lynsey Shaw. 

New for this year’s event is the added bonus of evening entertainment capturing the glamour of vintage travel – bookable separately. 

The Watercress Line’s Interim CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “The 30s and 40s is my favourite era - the fashion, the music and the urgent sense of purpose make it a compelling time for nostalgia. 

“It's a time when all long-distance travel was by train and the Watercress Line is the perfect place to soak up that atmosphere surrounded by the re-enactors.” 

“Unlimited train travel will allow you to explore our perfect vintage stations, perhaps in the company of Sir Winston Churchill himself!” 

Find out more and book tickets online at https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/new-era-30s-40s-weekend/