‘Life on the Holme Front’ 1940s Weekend

Last weekend I visited my mum to celebrate her birthday, and luckily it coincided with the annual ‘Life on the Holme Front’ 1940s Weekend. The event is held in the nearby village of Holme and attracts around 15,000 visitors. The living history displays set up in the streets, fields and woods around Holme recreate life during WWII in this small Cambridgeshire village.

I really wanted to dress the part and I considered wearing my Karina polka dot dress, but the weather was not playing ball.

My mum and brother go every year but it was a first for me. I really wanted to dress the part and I considered wearing my Karina polka dot dress, but the weather was not playing ball. As the car park was in a field I played it safe with jeans, boots and my Asos shower-proof coat. I suppose I got the colour palette right as I blended in with the troops!

The battle re-enactment was one of the highlights of the day

We went on the Saturday, but in hindsight, we’d have been better going on the Sunday when the weather was much better – we were dodging showers all afternoon. The battle re-enactment was one of the highlights of the day, but unfortunately it had to be halted when one of the “soldiers” got his finger trapped in his gun mechanism. Ouch.

I wouldn’t fancy being treated in this makeshift hospital!

Isobel thought the machine gun was fascinating. The owner explained to us how it works and how the soldiers had to pick it up and carry it during battle.

This couple looked so stylish that I had to take a photo of them. Thankfully they were very accomodating and posed for me, although the dog was a bit camera shy!

Watching the dancers was wonderful. “We’re Going to Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line” was accompanied by a washing line full of underwear! The song was used as a morale-booster during the war and refers to a chain of fortifications along Germany’s Western border.

A bit of Glenn Miller helped to set the scene thanks to the band in the village hall.

Cleaning was hard work in those days – no washing machines or dishwashers – but this lady looks like she means business! She even has a chimney sweep on her bike!

We’ve all heard that old joke: Where do policemen live? On Letsby Avenue. I had to explain that one to Isobel but she was happy to pose by the sign 🙂

It’s whetted my appetite for all things vintage

Seeing all the wonderful vintage outfits has made me want to go back next year in a fabulous 1940s outfit. I’ve been doing some research and have become hooked on the fashion of that decade. I really hope it does happen next year because one of the stall holders said it might not. This year’s event was much smaller than previous years but it was still a fantastic day out. It’s whetted my appetite for all things vintage so I’ll be looking out for other events to go to!

Do you love vintage clothes? Do you have a favourite era for fashion?

This is where I link up!