Kent & East Sussex Railway steps back in time for ‘bigger
than ever’ 1940s Weekend
The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) will be turning back the clock once again as its ever-popular 1940s Weekend returns on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026.
Visitors are invited to take a nostalgic journey back to wartime Britain as Tenterden Town and Bodiam stations are transformed to recreate the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s. From live music and vintage stalls to living history displays and authentic military encampments, the two-day event promises a full programme of immersive entertainment for all ages.
Bringing history to life at Tenterden Town Station
Photo: Robin Coombes
Discover the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Photo: Robin Coombes
Last year’s event proved one of the most successful in recent years, attracting more than 1,800 visitors across the two days — and 2026 is set to be even bigger, with the additional attraction of that icon of the skies, a replica Spitfire, on static display.
Headlining this year’s event are popular Britain’s Got Talent finalists, the D-Day Darlings Trio, performing each day at Tenterden Town Station. Their uplifting harmonies will provide a rousing soundtrack to a weekend that celebrates the resilience and spirit of the wartime generation.
The D-Day Darlings trio & My Favourite Things will be performing
Photo: Robin Coombes
Guests are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in their own 1940s finery and collecting a free identity card on arrival before stepping into the era. Throughout both stations, professional re-enactors, costumed characters and authentic displays will bring history vividly to life — and visitors should keep a sharp lookout for the ever-resourceful ‘Viv the Spiv’ and his black-market goods!
At Tenterden Station:
Enjoy a packed programme of 1940s-inspired live music. Joining the D-Day Darlings to perform across the weekend will be popular local trio My Favourite Things with DJ Sizzlin’ Jim Williams also playing popular wartime tunes.
Browse vintage stalls offering authentic clothing, accessories, books and toys, and to make sure you fully look the part, why not book a 1940s makeover at Belle’s Parlour (additional charges apply).
An iconic replica spitfire will be on display
Photo: War and Peace Displays
View and have your photo taken beside a full-size replica Battle of Britain Spitfire, which will be on display on the concourse with educators from War and Peace Displays on hand to bring its heroic story to life. Meanwhile, living history displays will include the Heroes With Grimey Faces group, a Land Army display and a variety of period civilian and military vehicles.
At Bodiam Station:
Enjoy refreshments from the NAFFI van or tea and cake with Vintage Allsorts while listening to live performances from Miss Holiday Swing (Saturday), Sarah Martin (Sunday) and Adam Hoffman (both days).
Enjoy a cuppa from the NAFFI van
Photo: K&ESR
Explore the Royal Navy Commando and Desert Rats encampment, complete with authentic kit and vehicles; visit the 1940s Corner Shop; browse trade stalls, and take photographs with the Blackout Buddies as costumed re-enactors and vintage vehicles add to the authentic atmosphere.
Visit the Desert Rats encampment
Photo: Robin Coombes
Trains will run every 45 minutes throughout the day, with the first service departing Tenterden at 10:45 and the last train leaving Bodiam at 17:03.
Freedom Tickets offer unlimited train travel on the day, allowing guests to fully experience the event on the trains and at both stations. A limited number of platform tickets will also be available each day for those wishing to soak up the atmosphere without travelling by train.
More information and advance bookings are available on the K&ESR website: https://kesr.org.uk/1940s-weekend/