A New Era – 30s & 40s Weekend
Travel back in time this June for a weekend steeped in history, celebrating the decadence and glamour of the 1930s and the spirit of the home front in 1940s Britain.
Enjoy unlimited train travel and mingle with civilian and military re-enactors. Hop off at each of our period stations to experience music, dancing, vintage vehicles and historic displays and explore a variety of stalls selling vintage goods.
‘A New Era – 30s & 40s Weekend’ is all about reliving this period. Dress up or just come along and soak up the atmosphere.
Further details to follow.
What's On?
Alresford & Ropley:
• Enjoy music from the 1930s & 1940s, with the wonderful singers Stephanie Belle & Lynsey Shaw.
• Tap along to jive music & dancing with That’s Jive.
• Browse vintage vehicle displays, including the ‘War Bikes’ escorting the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill in a RAF staff car.
• Watch demonstrations by a 1936 Fire engine and crew throughout the day.
• Find out more about military history and life in the 1940s at our living history displays along the line, including ‘The Echelon Royal Artillery group, defence of the tracks’.
What's On
• Browse a variety of stalls selling vintage goods, including ‘The Looking Glass’.
• Visit the Emergency Shop for all urgent requirements!
• Enjoy unlimited rides on our miniature railway at Ropley.
• Mingle with military and civilian reenactors, including special guests, the Queen Mother & Winston Churchill.
• Food & drink available to buy at the T-Junction & West Country Buffet.
• Various themed stalls, including a beer tent.
• Our gift shop will be open.
In addition, there will be steam traction engines displayed:
“The Imp” working a Stone Crushing display at Ropley, alongside “Dorothy”.
The Aveling Steam Roller “Remus” will be in steam (Saturday).
Timetable
Click here for the Two Train Service timetable running on both the 17 & 18 June. Â
and in the evening, NEW for 2023...
A 1930s and 40s evening of dancing and entertainment with singer Lynsey Shaw. Get dressed up in all your finery for a glamorous night, capturing the era of luxurious vintage travel by land, sea and air (bookable separately).
Click here to find out more and buy tickets.
Tickets
Children
Age 4 and under
Advanced Booking: FREE
On the day: FREE
Children
Age 5-16
Advanced Booking: £14.00
On the day: £16.00
Adults
Age 17+
Advanced Booking: £27.00
On the day: £29.00
Family
1 Adult & up to 3 Children
Advanced Booking: £42.00
On the day: £46.00
Family
2 Adults & up to 3 Children
Advanced Booking: £69.00
On the day: £75.00
Parking
Ropley: There will be FREE car parking in the field. Sat nav: Station Hill, Ropley, SO24 0BL.
Disabled drop-off at Ropley station is available before parking in the field.
Alresford: Pay & display car park, operated by Winchester City Council.
Alton: Pay & display car park, operated by South Western Railway. Please be advised that spaces may be limited.
Display and trade applications via eventsmanager@watercressline.co.uk.
Visitors are welcome to dress up, but AXIS costumes are not permitted.
