The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has removed all war-related activity from its planned 1940s weekend, in light of the current crisis and tragic events in Ukraine.
Instead, the heritage railway is transforming the event focusing on celebrations of the 1940s and 50s, as a tribute to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.
The Platinum Jubilee Weekend at ELR, taking place over the June bank holiday, will now be a colourful celebration of the time – specifically the late 1940s and early 1950s – with live music, dancing classes and vintage stalls and cars at Ramsbottom and Bury stations.
There will be ‘old timey’ activities and entertainment for the whole family up and down the 12-mile line, and train enthusiasts will have the chance to admire steam and heritage diesel train legends from the era, including the Observation Saloon and Vintage Bar Car.
Mike Kelly, Chairman at East Lancashire Railway, said: “The 1940s weekend at East Lancashire Railway has never been a war celebration, but a tribute to those who sacrificed so much on the battlefields and also on the home front.
“However, in saying that, it didn’t feel right to have re-enactments or military vehicles now, when there is a real war happening so close to home. Our staff and volunteers want to give our local communities a unique experience to celebrate all the good that was integral to the 1940s and 50s – the music, the fashions, the luxurious feel of old cars, and all those other nostalgic experiences we’ve heard about from our parents and grandparents.
“We encourage visitors to dress up in the fashions of the 1940s and 1950s, to get in the spirit of the festivities. We understand in those times Western soldiers would often wear military uniform outside of service at celebrations, so those would be permitted as well.”
The Platinum Jubilee Weekend at ELR will spread over 3-5 June 2022.
Find out more about the event here.
