Salute to the '40s party in Chatham
From vintage fashion markets to retro funfair and live music, the ‘40s event returns to Historic Dockyard Chatham
The 1940s era is placed firmly in the spotlight this year with the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.
Salute to the ‘40s at The Historic Dockyard Chatham will relive plenty of memories, experiences and a chance to witness what the ‘40s was like through living history on the 21st & 22nd September 2019.
Celebrated as ‘one of the Britain’s best vintage festivals’, get ready to reminisce and feel nostalgic as the Historic Dockyard is transformed into a 1940s experience that gives visitors the chance to relive the glamour of the period as well as a chance to experience what those who fought in the war would have gone through.
Visitors will begin their ‘40s experience in the Military zone where hundreds of re-enactors will bring life on the home front to life. The Military Zone will also include vintage vehicles, a Spitfire and Hurricane Static Display and will be home to a large stage where music will fill the air with songs made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller and more. The fantastic line up of musicians includes the ever popular act The D-Day Darlings as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, The Hotsie Totsies, The Dolly Girls, and Adam Hoffman. (More acts to be announced soon).
Trentham Village Community will be transforming the No.1 Smithery Courtyard into a 1940s village that you won’t want to miss! All new for 2019 - there will be cooking demonstrations for visitors to learn how best to use their rations and fabulous vintage fashions shows too!
There will also be plenty of opportunities to shop for those 40’s fashion essentials in the Vintage Street Market! Lining the streets of the Dockyard will be market stalls selling the best of ‘40s fashion, accessories, homeware and more. Whether you come ‘40s prepared or not, you’re bound to find something you’ll want to buy and cherish.
For many years, the event has welcomed families in huge numbers and this year, family fun is certainly not going to be rationed with FREE vintage funfair rides including family favourites such as a Ferris Wheel and Swing boat chairs. Visitors can enjoy upbeat live music and dance the day away in our many dance locations including dance floors by each stage! Visitors will also have the chance to discover an air-raid experience and tour one of the Dockyard’s air raid shelters to immerse themselves first-hand!
On top of all the festival fun, the Historic Dockyard’s usual galleries and museums will be open to visitors including the last remaining British Second World War Destroyer – HMS Cavalier. Climb onboard HMS Cavalier, HMS Gannet or HM Submarine Ocelot to discover what life was like at sea.