The Great Central Railway is resting its popular 1940s Weekend in 2024.
Originally scheduled to take place between May 31st and June 2nd, it will not be part of the award-winning heritage line’s line up special events this year. It follows a decision to consult with the full-time staff at the railway on a voluntary redundancy programme.
Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the railway said: “We know this will be a disappointing decision because the event is visited by thousands of people every year. However, it costs a significant amount of money to stage and while the railway moves through staffing and financial changes we feel this is the most prudent thing to do.”
In addition, a number of the re-enactors who have been an important part of the success of previous events will be out of the country and attending events in Normandy. Meanwhile, a field adjacent to Quorn and Woodhouse station which hosts displays and the popular 1940s shopping village is also unavailable for that purpose this year. Both of these factors would effectively make the whole event financially unviable.
Despite cancelling this year’s event, Great Central Railway says it is excited to announce plans for a new event in 2025 that will pay homage to the pivotal role of railways during the 1940s. This brand-new event will encapsulate the entire decade, celebrating the wartime years and exploring the profound impact the railways had on the country in the post-war years.
With the collaboration of re-enactors, the 2025 event promises to be a comprehensive retrospective, encompassing not only the valiant efforts of the allied forces during wartime but also delving into the unity and resilience that defined post-war Britain. Great Central Railway is committed to creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the 1940s, highlighting the railway’s role in shaping both the past and the future.
Richard Bruce, Head of Stations and Events said: “We really appreciate the support of the many people who have been involved with this event over the last few years including our loyal visitors, our volunteers, and the broader community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the exciting new event in 2025.
“To replace this event in 2024, during the May half-term week, we will be running a family event from Wednesday 29th May to Sunday 2nd June including a return of steam locomotives to the Mountsorrel branch line. In addition, on 1st June we will also, for the first time, be operating an overnight gala of passenger and goods trains to recreate the experience of a main line railway at night.”
Photo credit: R Harris
