The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will once again recreate the sights and sounds of wartime Britain when its 1940s Weekend returns from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May.

Now in its second year, the event will see the five-mile heritage line transformed into a living history experience, with each station hosting themed entertainment, reenactors, vintage displays and live music.

Steam trains will operate throughout the weekend, carrying visitors between Keighley and Oxenhope as the Worth Valley adopts the atmosphere of the 1940s.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with a 1940s Dance at Oxenhope Exhibition Shed. Guests will be entertained by Kitty La Mare and The Ashby Little Big Band, performing classic wartime favourites alongside live vocals.

The evening includes a light supper, with doors opening at 6pm and dancing continuing until 10.30pm. Tickets are priced at £20 per person.

From 11am on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, the focus shifts to a full line-wide programme of activities. Oxenhope’s Exhibition Shed will host live performances throughout the day alongside a vintage market and bar.

Haworth will feature reenactors and a traditional tea dance in the courtyard marquee. At Oakworth, visitors can explore living history displays recreating aspects of wartime life.

Ingrow and Keighley stations will also host period entertainment and refreshments, creating a consistent theme across the railway.

Passengers travelling on the trains can expect to encounter reenactors sharing wartime stories during their journey, with an onboard bar operating across the weekend.

Confirmed performers and participants include Lady Lindy, Anthony Mason’s George Formby tribute, Blondies in Harmony, the Gas Light Trio, Haworth Home Guard, Police and ARP reenactors, Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris and Lady Ann, a fairground organ and the Hebden Bridge Ukulele Group.

Additional acts are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Visitors are encouraged to dress in 1940s-inspired attire to enhance the atmosphere, although this is not essential.

The 1940s Weekend offers a varied programme combining heritage rail travel, live entertainment and historical interpretation, providing a family-friendly event that celebrates the social history of wartime Britain.

Full ticket information and event details are available at www.kwvr.co.uk