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 🎶

All weekend, the Heritage Hall is filled with the sounds of the 1940s. From big band swing to the timeless classics, you’ll be tapping your feet in no time, and the dance floor is open whenever you’re ready to join in.

Performing on Saturday and Sunday

Kyle Evans as George Formby 🪕
Grab your ukulele and get ready to sing along! Kyle brings the cheeky charm of George Formby to the Heritage Hall, with favourites like Leaning on a Lamp Post and When I’m Cleaning Windows. Formby was one of the biggest stars of the war years and entertained troops across the world, so there’s no better way to set the scene.

Hattie Bee, vintage singer 🎤
Hattie specialises in the music of the 1930s to the 1950s, from Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields to the close harmony hits of the Andrews Sisters. Expect wartime classics, a touch of glamour and plenty of songs you’ll know every word to.

Karen Colin & Don Gentile — voices of the 1940s

Revisit the glamour and nostalgia of the golden age of popular song with Karen King and Don Gentile. Their recordings capture the warmth, romance and distinctive musical style of the 1940s — an era of unforgettable melodies, dance bands and beautifully crafted vocal performances.

York Vintage Dance Group will be on the dance floor both days. Watch from the side or take to the floor and dance along with them.

1940s Evening Tea Dance, Saturday only 💃

Get your dancing shoes on! On Saturday night the site stays open until 10:30pm for an evening of swing, jive and big band favourites.

The Mike Brown Swing Band 🎺
A nine piece band with a proper big band sound, bringing back the hits of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Expect a packed dance floor for the up tempo numbers, and a few wartime favourites like We’ll Meet Again and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square so everyone can sing along.

1940s DJ Paddy O’Kaye 🎧
Keeping the swing going between sets, Paddy spins the classic records of the era so there’s never a quiet moment on the dance floor.

Vintage Shopping 🛍️

Browse stalls full of vintage and second-hand finds. See the full list of traders below

Food and Drink 🍻

The Yorkshire Bus Bar is back! Pull up a seat and enjoy locally brewed beers, spirits and gins. Cheers!

Hungry? WinStan’s Bunker Café is open to everyone, serving hearty wartime inspired dishes in the original 1942 huts where prisoners of war once cooked and ate their meals.

You’ll also find the I Love Lucy’s food truck on site, so there’s plenty to choose from whenever you need to refuel.

Free shuttle bus:

Pickering to Eden Camp

A free shuttle bus runs between Pickering, Galtres and Eden Camp across the Back to the 1940s weekend, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.

Where to catch it
In Pickering, please wait at the bus stop opposite Eastgate Car Park, not in the car park itself. The bus turns round at the industrial estate, so it picks up from the far side of the road.

Galtres is just outside Pickering, roughly halfway between Pickering and Eden Camp. what3words: ///asleep.villager.thirsty

Route
Pickering (Eastgate Car Park), Galtres, Eden Camp, then back the same way.

Saturday 10 October

Pickering to Eden Camp

Coming for the evening tea dance? Entry is with a Saturday admission ticket or a tea dance ticket. Tea dance tickets can be booked in advance, or bought on the gate from 5pm for £10, subject to availability. We’d recommend booking before you get on the bus so you’re not left disappointed.

The last bus back leaves Eden Camp at 10:45pm, after the tea dance finishes.

Sunday 11 October

The last bus back leaves Eden Camp at 5pm, as the museum closes.

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: