The ever popular 1940s event for the Severn Valley Railway will take place across two weekends the Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th June and Saturday 6th, Sunday 7th July. With this year an extra special appearances from original actors from the BBC TV series, Allo Allo.

In an exciting event along the entirety of the 16 mile line in Shropshire and Worcestershire, along with all stations, a festival of forties themed fun will take place. Including entertainment, vehicles, food alongside steam-hauled trains along the whole length of the line.

It is suggested you dress up in 1940s clothing yourself in order to fully engross yourself with the events taking place.

Throughout the whole line, there will be chances to bargain with black-market traders at a vintage marketplace, listen to speeches from Winston Churchill to really get upbeat to and learn how to dance a vintage dance class.

Alongside this program of activities, there will be entertainment from 1940s recreation singers as well as authentic set-ups of different historic shops, allotments, air-raid shelters and heritage homes at various locations along the line and don’t forget the ever popular NAAFI van at Bridgnorth!

And if all that wasn’t exciting enough, on 30th June and 7th July, the line will be witnessing a fly pass from the Lancaster Bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Subject to Operational and Weather Conditions)

‘We’re very excited about our VIP guests, who are all original actors from ‘Allo Allo! During the first weekend, we’ll be welcoming Herr Flick, Helga and Lieutenant Gruber to The Engine House at Highley for a meet and greet with visitors, and on the second weekend, PC Crabtree, Flying Officer Fairfax and Flying Officer Carstairs will be ‘on duty’ to ensure everyone has a great time.’

‘Keep tight hold of the ID card you’ll be issued with on arrival,’ advised fellow organiser Paul Bowler, ‘as the Military Police with be checking you’re not travelling illegally! And watch out for the Spivs who’ll be trying to sell you all manner of illicit goods on the trains!

‘If music and dance appeal to you, make sure you secure tickets for our Big Band evenings, on both Saturdays. These take place at Kidderminster station, where the 20-piece Kalamazoo Dance Band and special guests will guarantee a party on the platform, with classics from 1940s icons such as Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.’

Volunteer organiser Dave Brattan