Relive the sights, sounds and sirens of 1940s Britain at Milton Keynes Museum

Milton Keynes Museum invites you to share in all of the sights, sounds and sirens from one of our most challenging and defining decades this September, with the return of its popular 1940s weekend.

Pack up your kit bag, and bring your family and friends together to enjoy a truly exceptional step back in time to the era dominated by World War II.

Displays and re-enactors present all weekend will include The Oxfordshire Home Guard, which preserves and promotes the memory of those who volunteered to defend our shores during the conflict. They will be dressed up and ready to answer your questions, along with the Hertfordshire Home Guard.

The RAF Bomber Command, GI 44-45, and the women of the American Red Cross will be colouring up the event, too.
The Resistance worked across the channel, helping pilots and spies to escape the enemy – pay them a visit to learn how they did their work, and explore the equipment they used.

Speaking of undercover agents, young visitors will be invited to ‘hunt the spy’ with a game which will be just as much fun for grown-ups.
Wartime was tough, and everyone was expected to do their bit for King and Country, but when there was time for a little fun, communities made the very best of it – flocking to dances to relax, and maybe even find a significant other!

A good old sing-song and boogie did wonders to raise the spirits, and Museum favourite Lola Lamour will bring the tunes, with support from Mick Wilson’s Skylark Music

Those so inclined can show off their Lindy Hop or dance the Jitterbug or, if that sounds a bit too energetic, simply pull up a chair and enjoy a nice hot brew served by one of the Nippy waitresses, while you watch others tear up the dance floor.

Outside in the Museum grounds, brilliant vintage singer and entertainer Johnny Victory will be putting on the ritz in the Band Stand, and traders will be selling vintage clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac. A military trader will see you stocked up with all your combat gear needs.
You’ll be able to visit the emergency shop, explore the bombed out house set up for perusal, and military vehicles will be dotted around the grounds.

Railways at War will deliver a first class display in the Field Study Centre, and the Street of Shops will be bustling with store keepers on hand to talk you through shopping lists from back in the era.

Wartime on not, there is no excuse for not keeping a tidy home – Mrs Skivvy will be sharing tips on how to ensure everything is kept spick and span.

On Sunday, a Dad’s Army reenactment will cheer the mood – Captain Mainwaring and members of his platoon will be attending!
“If you’ve not joined us for this event in previous years, make sure you visit this time – it’s a fantastic weekend that has plenty on offer for all ages,” promised Museum director Bill Griffiths, “The displays and visitors will depict life in England, not only during the WWII years, but from the entire decade.

“Rationing was brought in during wartime, and continued right through until 1954, but we can guarantee there will be absolutely no restricting the enjoyment on offer at this event,” Bill added.

Standard admission applies. For more event information visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk