You may need your tin hat and gas mask if you visit Crich Tramway Village during
its special 1940s Weekend on Easter Sunday and Monday 23rd and 24th March. You can expect air-raid warnings and the sound of low flying aircraft
and you will need your identity card for a real taste of life during the Second
World War. Plus, if you dress up in 1940’s clothes admission is only £8!!
Policemen and members of the Home Guard will be patrolling the period streets
and visitors must always be ready to show their identity card or risk being arrested
as a spy! Beware the spivs selling black market goods and watch out for unexploded
bombs. However the trusty ARP will be on hand to deal with any incidents including
the incendiary bombs. The Red Lion public house will be serving drinks and wartime
styled meals.
Historic wartime road vehicles will be on show and on the move, mingling with
a range of vintage trams which visitors will be able to ride on as often as they
like. Some trams will have blackout masks fitted along with anti-blast netting
on the windows, blue coloured lamps and white steps. The indicator blinds will
be blacked out too so as to confuse any enemy spies. Wartime songs will be belted
out by an authentic concert party throughout the weekend.
Christine Brown, event organiser said, “This Easter weekend promises to be a
feast of nostalgia for those who lived through the war and an entertaining and
enlightening insight into war-time conditions for those too young to remember.”
Crich Tramway Village is open from 10.00am both days until 10pm on Sunday 23rd March and until 6.00pm on Monday 24th March. A big incentive for visitors to the 1940’s Weekend is that anyone dressed
in 1940’s costume – civilian or military – will be admitted for ONLY £8. The
Village is situated near Matlock, Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28.
Admission prices for the 1940s event: Adult £11.00. Senior £10.00. Child (3-15)
£5.50. Family (2 adults, 3 children) £30.00. Information line 01773 854321. www.tramway.co.uk
