Days Out near London - Chatham Dockyard's Salute to the 40's

As a lover of vintage and great days out, Salute to the 40's in Chatham seems made just for me; with swing dancing, a Spitfire aircraft display, plus a chance to have a vintage makeover, it sounds lots of fun.

Taking place on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th September at the historic Chatham dockyard there's lots of fun for all ages.

Go underground and visit a bomb shelter, whilst an air raid siren goes off, or sample a vintage-inspired afternoon tea at the Commissioner’s House. I'll have to dress for the occasion.

It's the perfect opportunity to pay homage to the era of the big band and blitz spirit.

Vintage Clothing and Makeovers

Other attractions to look out for are the '40s themed street parties, traditional children's toys, vintage traders and stalls. Lovers of vintage fashion and ‘40s collectors will delight in the Courtyard Vintage Fair and the 1940s’ Village Fete filled with throw-back goodies including fashion, accessories, jewellry and uniforms. At No. 1 Smithery Courtyard, ladies can undergo a vintage makeover or have their hair styled with Victory Rolls. While gentlemen are also welcome to visit a traditional barber and have their hair and beards prepped for the parade.

Workshops and Dancing

There will be a street party overlooking the Dockyard’s Historic Warships, packed with food stalls, experiential workshops and themed entertainment for all ages. Learn to swing dance, jive or Lindy Hop and make rope whilst the likes of Gypsy John, the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers and DJ Danger UXB entertain you.

Vintage Cars and Spitfire Display

On both days there will be a 'Coming Home' parade with lovingly restored vintage cars, trucks and jeeps to admire, whilst all eyes will turn to the sky for the nostalgic ‘Spirit of Kent’ spitfire display which takes place each afternoon.

Gun-firing Display and Bomb-shelter Tour

A breathtaking broadside gun firing display will take place at midday and mid-afternoon from the Second World War Destroyer, HMS Cavalier. Alternatively, for those wanting to experience the ultimate blitz spirit, The Historic Dockyard’s ARP Warden is running tours of the underground bomb shelters, whilst the air raid siren echoes across the site.

Vintage-inspired Food and Drink

Revellers can refuel in style thanks to an abundance of food stalls catering for every taste. Tuck into tea and bread pudding, served from a 1940s’ vintage NAAFI truck; enjoy a pint or two from a vintage London Bus, or try a more sophisticated setting at the Commissioner’s House where vintage-inspired afternoon tea will be served.

Re-live the iconic era brought to life through hundreds of 1940’s re-enactors, climb on board the driver’s cab of a Second World War locomotive, see a military camp, a bombed-out house, a fire station, a shop and a 1940’s pub. Be wowed by anti-aircraft gun and land army displays. Experience fashion shows, vehicle parades and a victory speech by King George VI when the ‘Royal Family’ and their party descend upon the dockyard.

As the sun sets on the Chatham festival, performers, entertainers, and re-enactors will join on the Spitfire Stage to perform a ‘Finale Sing Song’, led by The London Swing Orchestra. The final hurrah: crowds will wave flags, dance, sing and rejoice in the presence of the Royal Family amidst the spirited hullaballoo.

The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE

Discount and fast track entry tickets now available at thedockyard.co.uk

Adult Standard – One Day £18 / Both Days £27.50

Adult Concession – One Day £15 / Both Days £23.50

Child Standard – One Day £12.00 / Both Days £20.00

Child+ – One Day - £8.50 / Both Days £16.50

Family – One Day - £50 / Both Days £75.00

Please follow my blog by clicking here to Follow via Bloglovin