BACK TO THE 1940s
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2026

Get ready to Brylcream your hair, don your best hat, and dress to impress as you step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the 1940s at Eden Camp! This weekend promises nostalgic fun, toe-tapping live music, an unforgettable evening dance on the Saturday evening and all the charm of a bygone era. With the site buzzing with re-enactors explore the displays and immerse yourselves through the 22 original Prisoner of War huts and discover something new around every corner. From lively performances to immersive displays, the Museum captures the humour, sacrifice and resilience of a nation at war, alongside personal tributes and powerful individual stories from the period. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a dance enthusiast eager to swing along to live bands, or simply looking for a unique weekend outing, Eden Camp promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

As the sun goes down on Saturday 10th, the celebrations continue with a 1940s-style evening dance, where live bands fill the air with swing, jazz and wartime favourites. Enjoy a few drinks from the the Yorkshire Bus Bar and take to the dancefloor, show off your best moves, or simply soak up the atmosphere as the Museum transforms into a truly magical setting after hours.

This event proudly runs in partnership with Pickering 1940s Weekend, giving visitors the chance to enjoy two incredible experiences in one nostalgic celebration. Step beyond the Museum gates and head into the historic streets of Pickering, where the town will be alive with music, vehicles, re-enactors and 1940s flair. Together, Eden Camp and Pickering 1940s Weekend create a shared atmosphere of fun, community and wartime spirit – perfect for a full weekend of discovery and celebration.

Get your tickets now and prepare to step into a world where the past comes alive!

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• Live Entertainment:

Enjoy performances bringing the 1940s back to life with their renditions of timeless classics in the Heritage Hall. From big band tunes to classic hits, you’ll be tapping your feet and twirling on the dance floor in no time.

• SATURDAY

  • George Formby – Kyle Evens
  • Karen King
  • Don Gentile
  • Hattie Bee

• SATURDAY EVENING DANCE

  • Mike brown swing Orchestra
  • 1940s DJ – Paddy O’kaye

• SUNDAY

• • George Formby – Kyle Evens
  • Karen King
  • Don Gentile
  • Hattie Bee

• 1940s Evening Dance:

  Slip on your dancing shoes and get ready to jive! Enjoy live music performances that bring the spirit of the 1940s to life. From energetic big band melodies to timeless classics, you’ll be swaying, stepping, and spinning the night away. INCLUDED IN SATURDAY AND WEEKEND TICKETS!!! 

• Photo Opportunities:

  Capture your memories with stunning backdrops and props that reflect the era. Don’t forget to share your snaps using #EdenCamp1940s!

• Vintage shopping:

  Discover the very best vintage and second-hand collections See the list down below:

• Food and Drink🍻

  We’re excited to welcome The Yorkshire Bus Bar back to the event!  🍻 🚍🍺 They’ll be serving a fantastic selection of locally brewed beers and selection of spirits and gins, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a proper pint. Cheers! …and much more!

DAY AND WEEKEND TICKETS

A range of ticket options are available to suit individuals and families, with the best value available when booking online in advance. For visitors planning to enjoy the full experience, online weekend tickets offer exceptional value. A free carer ticket is available with the purchase of a full-priced ticket. Family tickets provide even greater savings, with discounted online and weekend options available for a range of family sizes – perfect for making the most of a full weekend of 1940s fun.

Don’t miss out – book your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend of music, dancing and wartime spirit.

Vintage Trade Shopping

Browse a fantastic selection of trade stands throughout the site, offering everything from vintage clothing and accessories to period-inspired gifts, memorabilia and handcrafted goods. Whether you’re searching for the perfect finishing touch to your 1940s outfit, a unique souvenir, or something special to take home, the trade stands add even more variety and atmosphere to the weekend, making your visit a true celebration of style, nostalgia and community.

We’re excited to welcome a fantastic range of traders bringing history, treasures, and treats to our event:

• Goodeys – 1930’s/40’s Antiques, Bygones & Collectables & WW2 Memorabilia.
• C & P Supplies – Military uniforms and badges and ladies vintage clothing and accessories.
• DADS ARMY – Genuine military collectibles, clothing and replicas and ladies 1940 style clothing shoes and accessories.
• JSC Collectables – Specialises in WWI & WWII MILITARIA, EQUIPMENT, AND UNIFORMS.
• Edward’s Shed – Sell a mix of replica signs and boxes as well as authentic wartime ephemera for the home front
• A Sticky Situation – Over 100 different home made jams chutneys & sauces, honey & cheese
• Byzantium – Ladies’ clothing, Men’s uniforms, and Military
• Betty’s Backyard – Vintage clothing, homewares and small items of furniture
• Woodfield – ‘1940s Newsagents’ ~ selling replica newspapers from 1939-1945 ~ produced in the late 70s/early 80s’. and original 1940s magazines

Come along and browse their wonderful stalls as we step back in time to the 1940s! 🎶🕺✨

NOTE TO RE-ENACTORS: (Dress code and weapons guide)

All visitors to the museum are invited to join in with the fun and get dressed up in either civilian or military period clothing. All weapons (including but not limited to deactivated rifles, blank firing weapons, knives, bayonets) are NOT permitted on site. Costume must be respectful and SS/Gestapo uniform (or similar) is strictly prohibited. We respectfully request in light of current events for visitors/reenactors to avoid Russian attire/equipment of any kind. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions: