Brougham Hall near Penrith stepped back in time over the weekend, writes Chris Jones.
Visitors gathered for the hugely successful Wartime Weekend, celebrating the spirit and atmosphere of the 1940s.
The historic venue was transformed with authentic military camps, vintage vehicles, wartime displays, live music and dancing, creating a lively and immersive experience for all ages.
Visitors embraced the occasion in period dress while learning about wartime life through carefully recreated displays and demonstrations.
Mary Chapplehowe, of Brougham Hall, said: “It’s been a great weekend. We haven’t counted up yet, but it could be over 1,000 people per day.”
Entertainment throughout the weekend came from Rachel Grace, known as The Skylark of Vintage, who delighted crowds with classic 1940s songs from Hollywood films, dance halls and patriotic sing-a-longs that had visitors dancing and waving flags.
A special guest on Sunday was Matt McKinnon Pattison, the last surviving original member of the Special Air Service Brigade.
Michelle Land – On Call, The Wartime District Nurse, who travelled from Sheffield, said she had a steady number of visitors looking at her display on wartime medical artefacts.
Showstopping attractions included a rare 1942 Valentine Tank transported from Manchester, alongside Jeeps, a Matador truck and vintage police vehicles.
The Wartime Photographic Company, run by Willie Pollard and Jimmy Hay from Edinburgh, also fascinated visitors with an extensive collection of original Second World War photographic and press equipment.
