Union Flag bunting has started going up outside shops in Minehead in readiness for the 1940s Weekend which will be returning to the town on 12 and 13 September. Minehead BID has again linked up with the West Somerset Railway to take the town back to this bygone age which is even more poignant this year as we remember the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The Covid pandemic has put paid to a much bigger event this year but Minehead will certainly be livened up over the weekend by the addition of a fantastic line-up of vintage bands and entertainers dotted around the town.
Shoppers and café goers will be serenaded by well-known tunes and acts of the era who will be based in a variety of locations at the Railway Station, Harbour, Wellington Square, Lisa’s Vintage Tearoom, Owls Roost, The Hairy Dog and the new Third Wave Restaurant in the town centre. There will also be vehicles outside the Old Hospital and an exhibition of wartime clothing and rationing inside the building.
“We would have made much more of the weekend had the climate been more favourable, but working with our Health and Safety team and being aware of current guidelines we have wanted to keep this year’s gathering low key,” said Andrew Hopkins, Minehead’s BID Manager. “As with the Eat Festival, Minehead BID is doing its best to balance the health of the High Street with the safety of residents. We are expecting an extended tourist season this year and indications show most accommodation providers’ books remain full. “
In addition to the music of the era around the town centre at the Railway Station there will be military and civilian vehicles, plus displays from the Army, RAF and Land Army. Uniformed British and American troops will be in attendance and there will be an opportunity to go on the footplate of a locomotive plus see shunting and turntable demonstrations. Tickets for a two-hour time slot need to be purchased in advance from the West Somerset Railway for this part of the event which will take place between 10am and 5pm on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Robin Wichard, who is organising the activities at the Railway Station, said, “We were determined to do what we could to provide a 40s event despite the Covid pandemic and – working closely with Minehead BID – we have an event with the emphasis on both quality entertainment and the safety of visitors and participants. Rarely will there be the chance to see such an array of vintage talent in one place and we hope people will enjoy the opportunity.”
For more information, contact Robin Wichard on 01984 641022 or Andrew Hopkins, Minehead BID on 07703 668928.
Photo by Robin Wichard
To purchase tickets for the event at the Railway Station, either visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/detail/minehead-station-1940s-event-2020 or call 01643 704996.