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.
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!
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 🙂
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!
A few years ago I met a French, in our b&b in Rye, man who played in such events! He looked, also in real life, as if he just stepped out of the 40s! He told is all about these events! Fabulous!
Isn’t the UK weather a nuisance when it comes to fashion – your polka dot dress would have been perfect but you still looked the part! Loved the hat and photos of all. xx
I absolutely LOVE the style and music from that era, Emma! I’d have loved to visit something like that – how brilliant! I must say, I love your boots – where did you get them? Don’t tell me they’re old!! lol!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
A real immersion in history, Emma. I adore women’s dresses from that era. Thanks for linking up, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Oh wow, Emma! This looks like so much! I would have wanted to dress the part, too.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
This looks like a great day Emma. Love the fashion in that era 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays.
I would have loved this! I think the 40’s is just so elegant. I would have loved watching the dancing and just people watching at what they were wearing xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Fantastic event! I love this idea. I don’t have nothing really vintage now. I had, but I didn’t understand the value of it. Such a shame.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
This looks like such a fun weekend and everyone in the background of your photos is showing great period style! Your blue wide brim hat looks great and is perfect for keeping the rain off. Thank you for sharing with hat Attack.