Welshpool set for bumper 1940s Weekend

The organisers promised something bigger and better for the Welshpool 1940s Weekend, and it looks like they will deliver over three days from Friday.

Visitors will be able to transport themselves back to 1940s Welshpool and a time when evacuated children were arriving by the train load from the major industrial towns of the North West, soldiers were going back to barracks after being on leave and aircrew were heading off to the airfields of Shropshire.

The main road through town will be closed on Saturday and Sunday from 8am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday, with signs already up to warn motorists.

What to Expect:

A light-hearted look at life in a small rural town in the 1940s. Organisers say that as you walk around the town, you will be captivated by Re-Enactors and Entertainers in period costume, vintage vehicle displays, trade stands, music and dancing; all with a 1940’s theme.

There will also be special activities for children including a vintage fun fair and much more.

Get up close and have your photo taken stood alongside a Spitfire aeroplane or a Valentine tank. All in the town centre on hard standing so no need to worry about being bogged down in mud, plus majority of the event are under cover and totally free apart from the concerts and dances.

What’s On?

The Spirit of the Blitz variety show on Friday afternoon from 2pm is a tribute to the legendary stars who kept us smiling through the darkest days. It recaptures the tenacious optimism of war-torn Britain on the long road towards peace. Sing along to swinging hits like Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Bless 'Em All, Leaning On A Lamp-Post, and of course, We’ll Meet Again.

Starring Andy Eastwood, Maggie O’Hara and Pete Lindup, this feel-good show recreates all the 40s favourites, including Vera Lynn, George Formby, Max Miller, Bing Crosby, Anne Shelton and Gracie Fields.

Friday evening sees an evening of fish n chips & knees up mother brown with vintage entertainer Johnny Victory and the Castle Belles ladies vocal group. 

A Tea Dance is held on the Saturday afternoon followed by a Blitz Ball in the Town Hall in the evening with the Ashby Little Big Band with guest vocaliste Kitty Lamare. Don’t worry if you cannot dance there will be dance instructors ready to help.

A Parade will make its way from the Royal Oak up the main street on Saturday at 11.45am.

Special guests this year are three original characters from the hit television series Allo Allo namely Gruber, Helga and Herr Flick.

A flypast by an Avro Anson will take place at 1pm on the Saturday subject to weather conditions.

The weekend will end with a concert in the Methodist Church on Sunday evening October  1, featuring the Guilsfield Singers at 7.30pm.

Local businesses are already decorating their windows and residents in Berriew Road, Severn Street, Broad Street and High Street.

Tickets for the various concerts and dances can be purchased online via www.welshpool1940sweekend.co.uk or from Welshpool Jewellers. They can be bought on the door, subject to availability.