Sponsored Editorial

The UK’s premier wartime ensemble, the D-Day Darlings, is set for ‘sweet’ sessions at The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s must-visit vintage weekend, Salute to the '40s.

Plans for the festival on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 are in full 'swing' and joining the Britain’s Got Talent finalists will be popular wartime musical and entertainment acts including harmony trio The Knightingales, ‘pearly’ suited and booted variety artist Mickie Driver and smooth jazz band Pink Champagne.

As well as a jam-packed programme of show-stopping performances and dance workshops, the wartime spirit will be very much alive around the Dockyard’s entire 80-acre site.

Step back in time at the military and Home Front displays and transport processions, brought to life by dedicated re-enactors and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Second World War destroyer, HMS Cavalier.

Explore a replica 1940s village, amidst the Dockyard’s heritage buildings, featuring post Blitz bombed-out homes, Chatham Underground Station and a fully-functioning 1940s store and tavern.

Take shelter in a bunker as part of a real-life air raid evacuation, complete with bomb alert and ‘all clear’ sirens or take a break from black out conditions and treat yourself to ride on the carousel at the traditional fairground.

Browse the buzzing vintage street market and shop for everything 40s, from genuine collectibles and housewares to reproduction clothing and accessories.

Fashion played a huge part in the mid-war era, with a generation of Brits getting creative to copy coveted Paris couture, by ‘making do and mending’. Classic clothing collections are proudly paraded by enthusiasts, with visitors often choosing to don 40s inspired outfits too.

Embrace the sights and sounds of the war years while relaxing on the Mess Deck restaurant terrace, which serves the Dockyard’s signature locally sourced fish and chips, or rest a while at one of the many seated refreshment stations, nearby the entertainment stages.

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust appreciates it is difficult to commit to an event in the future but you can book online with confidence in these unprecedented times.

With this in mind, the Trust is making a promise to everyone purchasing a ticket that, should the festival need to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions, all ticket holders will receive an automatic refund.

Salute to the ‘40s is an important fundraising event in aid of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust