It was the decade of powdered eggs, Clement Attlee, oh, and the Second World War.
Now, you can step back in time and relive the experience because Springwell Village in Gateshead is hosting its third, even bigger and better 1940s weekend.
The fun starts on Friday and continues until Sunday.
Over the last few years, the event has built on its previous success, drawing thousands of visitors who take part in a wide range of family activities.
There is lots going on throughout the village with Springwell Community Venue, Bowes Railway, the Methodist church, the social club and the Guide Post Inn all taking part.
On Friday there is Living History at Bowes, including organised school visits with dressing up costumes for the kids. In the Community Venue there is a vintage fair, hairstylist demos and live music from noon. The church is running a teddy bears’ picnic for toddlers. In the evening the Doo Wop Dollies are appearing at the Guide Post Inn, while Harper and the Watchmen are at the social club.
Saturday’s programme includes a firing display and battle re-enactment at Bowes. New for this year, they’ve teamed up with scriptwriter Peter Ross and the Progressive Players from the Little Theatre in Gateshead who will perform The White Moth, a play that tells the tale of one local family living in the era. There will be four, 20-minute performances over Saturday and Sunday.
You can take the kids to the social club for a party, enjoy live music in the Community Venue throughout the day, take afternoon tea, or visit a charity garden opening.
There are side shows, a procession of vintage vehicles and you can take a free ride on a vintage bus.
Also new for this year is the farmers’ market on the Sunday; an event called Make It Bake It Sew It Grow It at the village fair on Saturday; and scarecrows will be dotted around the village this year - and houses will be dressed up.
On Sunday the Methodist church is holding a memorial service. The ever-popular Picnic in the Park with free activities takes place in Seldom Seen Park, and for football fans there is an Escape to Victory game at noon.
These are just some of the fun things to do in Springwell Village’s historic and friendly setting. Everyone is welcome.
Springwell Village’s 1940s Weekend is supported by Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee through their Community Chest fund.
Check out the Springwell Village 1940s Weekend Facebook page for more information.
