The KWVR 1940s Weekend is an immersive living history event where visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of 1940s wartime Britain along the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway with authentic entertainment, re-enactments, and vintage atmosphere.
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) 1940s Weekend is a popular heritage railway event held annually, typically over a weekend in May, with the next confirmed date in 2026 on 16th May. It transforms the railway into a vivid re-creation of wartime Britain, offering visitors an engaging journey back to the 1940s.
Event Highlights:
Heritage Steam Train Journeys: Travel on authentic steam trains through the picturesque Worth Valley, passing through six stations, each filled with period atmosphere and activities.
Music & Entertainment: The weekend features live music performances of 1940s songs, vintage acts, and dances such as Balboa. Notable shows include tribute acts like George Formby and performances by groups like Lady Lindy and Blondies in Harmony. Traditional fairground organs provide nostalgic tunes, adding to the immersive experience.
Living History Displays: Stations host re-enactors including the Haworth Home Guard, ARP (Air Raid Precautions) encampments, patrolling policemen, and wartime shops. Visitors can see demonstrations of codebreaking, wartime preparations, and interact with authentic displays of wartime daily life.
Food & Refreshments: Enjoy themed refreshments such as tea and cake at Ingrow, ice cream and drinks at Oakworth’s NAAFI tea hut, sandwiches at Oxenhope, and meals with drinks at The Old Parcel Office café bar at Keighley station. Real ale is also available on-board and at stations.
Special Guests: Occasionally, notable historical figures are portrayed, such as Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, giving speeches that bring the era to life.
Period Dress Encouraged: Visitors often dress in 1940s fashion, from military uniforms to elegant tea dresses, enhancing the authentic atmosphere. A discount is sometimes offered for pre-booking tickets if attending in period attire.
Venue & Practical Info:
The event runs across all six stations on the KWVR line, including Keighley, Haworth, Oakworth, Ingrow West, and Oxenhope.
There are connections to nearby National Rail services for easy travel to the railway line.
Various museums and exhibitions related to railway history are accessible at Ingrow and other locations along the line.
The event offers a rare blend of heritage railway charm and engaging 1940s nostalgia suitable for history enthusiasts, families, and vintage culture lovers.
Whether you want to steep yourself in wartime nostalgia, enjoy classic music and dance, or experience a unique family day out, the KWVR 1940s Weekend offers a fun and educational trip back to one of Britain’s most iconic decades.
For the latest dates, ticket bookings, and additional details, visiting the official KWVR website and event pages is recommended to plan your visit effectively.
Enjoy your journey back in time along the scenic and historically rich Keighley & Worth Valley Railway!
Any enquiries for traders, vehicles and displays contact
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