Visitors to Kirkby Stephen later this month will get the chance to step back in time to a war-time era when ration books were needed as part of everyday life.
The Stainmore Railway Company at Kirkby Stephen East Station is helping to host an inaugural 1940s weekend in conjunction with the Military Vehicle Trust (North West Branch). It is set to take place on Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th September.
There will be train services running each day from 10-30am to 4pm — diesel on Saturday and steam on Sunday subject to locomotive availability. Admission will be free, but there will be charges for train rides, with tickets being able to be purchased from the shop on site, with no pre-booking required.
Parking on site will be prioritised for blue badge holders, but there is a free-of-charge park and ride scheme from the Kirkby Stephen Auction Mart using Cumbria Classic Coaches.
There will also be a free bus service between Brough, Kirkby Stephen, and the mainline railway station on the Settle and Carlisle line at Kirkby Stephen West Station.
A spokesman said: “Well behaved dogs are welcome on short leads and can travel on the buses and train services, but please be aware we have station cats at Kirkby Stephen East.
Attractions at the Stainmore Railway Company site, including rear car park, main platform and adjacent field will be military vehicles from the 1940s era with demonstrations of military life, first aid and much more.
There will also be entertainment from Harri Dean who will be playing live music from the 1940s era, plus a Home Front Life exhibition, photographic exhibition and a look back at the history of 1940s life in the Upper Eden Valley.
In Kirkby Stephen Cloisters and the town’s Market Square there will be changing displays of military vehicles throughout the day.
On Saturday, 23rd September, there will also be a military vehicle road run starting at 3-30pm from Stainmore Railway Company to Winton village and back.
In addition, Kirkby Stephen town centre businesses will be entering into the 1940s spirit with their own interpretations and demonstrations.
