Press Release
19th January 2011

Swinging 1940's weekend at the
Kent and East Sussex Railway

On 14th and 15th May 2011 the Kent & East Sussex Railway will be hosting their annual 1940's weekend when visitors of all ages can re-live the forties lifestyle along the entire 10½-mile line between Tenterden and Bodiam.

This historical railway is the ideal location for this unrivalled event, when period features including steam trains, period vehicles, re-enactors and characters in authentic costume create a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors enjoying the variety of exhibits and attractions on offer.

The station will come alive with the sounds and dances of the 40's as visitors are entertained by the Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers, whose swing dance routine will have everyone's feet tapping. The highlight for many comes from Britain's finest professional 1940's singer, 'Voice in a Million' Fiona Harrison who is booked to perform three concerts each day. Immaculately dressed in authentic costume, Fiona will be performing, amongst others, her popular show "We'll meet again" featuring all the favourite tunes from the 1940's complete with a flag-waving patriotic finale.

Enthusiasts of the era can also browse a range of civilian and military vehicles, privately owned and fully restored to their former war time glory. There will even be the opportunity to look inside a recreated World War II Air Raid Anderson Shelter.

Other entertainment will include fire fighting demonstration by the Fire Service Preservation Society and trade stalls featuring custom made 40's and 50's clothing.

'Cinque Ports Militaria' will be on show in addition to a display of wartime kitchen memorabilia and interesting exhibits from the Lashenden Air Museum and the Hawker Hurricane Society.

Visitors can also take advantage of a full steam train service and enjoy a ride in one of the full restored, vintage carriages.

The station refreshment rooms and gift shop will be open.

To see just what a great weekend this is you can watch a short DVD on the railway's Video Lounge

Admission: Adult £13.50, Senior Citizen £12.50, Child (3 - 15 years inc.) £8.50 and Family (2 adults + up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children) £37.00. Please see the timetable on the website for times of steam train operation.

For more details telephone 01580 765155, visit www.kesr.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For interviews or more information contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647 e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Editors Notes:

1940's weekend - Trains run from Tenterden every 45 minutes starting 10:45, see The Kent & East Sussex Railway's website for further details.

The Kent and East Sussex Railway is one of the country's finest examples of a rural light railway. The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - "The Jewel of The Weald" for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

Tenterden and Northiam are situated on the A28 between Ashford and Hastings and both stations have spacious car parks which are free. Please note that there is no parking at Bodiam Station so passengers are advised to park and ride from Tenterden or Northiam

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is operated by the Kent & East Sussex Railway Co Ltd, a charitable company, limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Registered charity No. 262481.

There are parking spaces for the disabled close to the platforms at Tenterden Town and Northiam Stations and toilets for the disabled at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam.