Toggle menu
  1. You are here:
  2. South Holland District Council
  3. /
  4. Your Council
  5. /
  6. Communications
  7. /
  8. News archive
  9. /
  10. Thousands step back in time at Ayscoughfee 1940s weekend

Thousands step back in time at Ayscoughfee 1940s weekend

Ayscoughfee 1940's weekend event
Posted on 13 August 2018

Ayscoughfee 1940's weekend event
Almost eight thousand people are estimated to have headed to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens last weekend as Spalding embraced the style and celebrations of the decade for its annual 1940s weekend.

South Holland District Council ran the much-loved event for a 5th year, with plenty to do including memorabilia displays, vintage hairdressers, period vehicles, re-enactors, plenty of dancing from Boston Jive and the '40s Home Front Dancers, a great display from the W.I, special live performances from singers Cheri Lawrence and Brandyn Shaw and even a speech from Winston Churchill himself.

The two day event culminated in the annual VJ day remembrance parade leaving from the Peace Garden at Ayscoughfee, with guest of honour William Webb, deputy lord lieutenant of Lincolnshire. The parade commemorates the day on which Japan ceased fighting in the Second World War, effectively bringing the war to an end.

Scheduled flypasts from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights on both days were cancelled due to weather conditions across the country, but the weather didn't manage to dampen the spirits of those attending the celebration, who came in their thousands despite the showers and enjoyed the array of entertainment on offer.

Ayscoughfee 1940's weekend event
Cllr Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for communities and facilities said: "The 1940s weekend at Ayscoughfee never fails to deliver and this was no exception. The weather may have impacted on the anticipated BBMF flypasts but did nothing to discourage the thousands of families and people who came down to embrace the Blitz spirit and carry on.

"There were a great range of activities, stalls and attractions on offer and it is brilliant to get a glimpse at some of the authentic costumes, memorabilia and vehicles from the era. It is always such an enjoyable, immersive experience and I'd like to say a huge thank you everyone who came along and to the volunteers, re-enactors and organisers who helped to make it happen."

There are still plenty of events and activities to explore at Ayscoughfee over the rest of the summer, and entry to the Museum and Gardens is free. To find out more visit www.ayscoughfee.org.