Keep Calm and Party at Salute to the '40's!
- Be transported back in time for a vintage bonanza at this year’s Salute to the ‘40s, taking place on September 17th and 18th
- This year’s event, kindly sponsored by BAE Systems Rochester and Wargaming.net’s World of Warships will be packed all weekend - from ‘40s themed street parties, traditional children’s toys, a variety of acts, live music, swing dancing to a Spitfire aircraft display overhead.
- Lovingly restored vintage cars and trucks will join a ‘Coming Home’ Parade each afternoon, bringing this world famous maritime heritage site a high octane dose of Blitz spirit!
- Discount and fast track entry tickets available online: TICKETS
This September, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is proud to bring you the most exciting family friendly vintage festival on the UK circuit. Paying homage to the heyday of the big band and blitz spirit, this two-day event, which takes place on 17th and 18th September, showcases the best the era has to offer.
From an abundance of unique vintage traders and stalls, to nostalgic sing-a-longs and ‘40s entertainment, fashion shows, vintage car parades, Spitfire aircraft displays and much more, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, one of the world’s most famous maritime attractions, will be transformed into a tribute to all things ‘40s.
Motor enthusiasts will be wowed by the daily ‘Coming Home’ parade - an impressive convoy of vintage cars, trucks and jeeps, whilst all eyes will turn to the sky for the nostalgic ‘Spirit of Kent’ spitfire display which takes place each afternoon, bringing the heritage site alive with the sounds and smells of 1940’s Britain.
New for this year, is Wheels and Frills – a street party overlooking the Dockyard’s Historic Warships, packed with food stalls, experiential workshops and themed entertainment for all ages. Learn to swing dance, jive or Lindy Hop and make rope whilst being entertained by the likes of Gypsy John, the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers and DJ Danger UXB.
What’s more, for the first time ever, festival-goers can apply to get hitched at the event. Make your wedding go down in history with a choice of two unique locations - Commissioner’s House (including an outside location) or aboard HMS Gannet (1878). With a ready-made reception party, this is the perfect place to say an alternative ‘I do’. Not many people can say they had the London Swing Orchestra, and a couple of Historical Warships, HM Submarine Ocelot and HMS Gannet, at their wedding!
Lovers of vintage fashion and ‘40s collectors will delight in the Courtyard Vintage Fair and the 1940s’ Village Fete filled with throw-back goodies including fashion, accessories, jewelry, uniforms and so much more. At No. 1 Smithery Courtyard, ladies are invited to embrace the utilitarian glamour of the era with a vintage makeover or have their hair styled with Victory Rolls. Gentlemen are also welcome to visit a traditional barber and have their hair and beards prepped for the parade!
A breathtaking broadside gun firing display will take place at midday and mid-afternoon from the Second World War Destroyer, HMS Cavalier. Alternatively, for those wanting to experience the ultimate blitz spirit, The Historic Dockyard’s ARP Warden is running tours of the underground bomb shelters, whilst the air raid siren echoes across the site.
Revelers can refuel in style thanks to an abundance of food stalls catering for every taste. Tuck into tea and bread pudding, served from a 1940s’ vintage NAAFI truck, enjoy a pint or two from a vintage London Bus, or try a more sophisticated setting at the Commissioner’s House where Vintage Afternoon tea is being served.
Re-live the iconic era brought to life through hundreds of 1940’s re-enactors, climb on board the driver’s cab of a Second World War locomotive, see a military camp, a bombed-out house, a fire station, a shop and a 1940’s pub. Be wowed by anti-aircraft gun and land army displays. Experience fashion shows, vehicle parades and a victory speech by King George VI when the ‘Royal Family’ and their party descend upon the dockyard.
As the sun sets on the Chatham festival, performers, entertainers and re-enactors will join on the Spitfire Stage to perform a ‘Finale Sing Song’, led by The London Swing Orchestra. The final hurrah: crowds will wave flags, dance, sing and rejoice in the presence of the Royal Family amidst the spirited hullaballoo!
Sallyann Mclean, Site Executive for BAE Systems, Rochester said: "We are delighted to be supporting this year’s Salute to the ‘40s event and hope that it is enjoyed by all. Through our Community Investment programme at BAE Systems, we are committed to working together with local communities."
NOTES TO EDITORS
TICKETS
Discount and fast track entry tickets now available at thedockyard.co.uk
Adult Standard – One Day £18 / Both Days £27.50
Adult Concession – One Day £15 / Both Days £23.50
Child Standard – One Day £12.00 / Both Days £20.00
Child+ – One Day - £8.50 / Both Days £16.50
Family – One Day - £50 / Both Days £75.00
PRESS CONTACT
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Gail James
+44 (0)1634 823 813
About The Historic Dockyard Chatham (www.thedockyard.co.uk)
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is the only place in the world that lets you explore a complete dockyard from the age of sail and beyond. It’s a unique destination that celebrates Great Britain’s magnificent maritime past and unmatched contribution to the Royal Navy’s shipbuilding excellence that led to worldwide command of the oceans.
Chatham offers unrivalled access to the ships that shaped the world, from a Victorian anti-slavery sailing ship, to a Second World War Destroyer or a Cold War submarine and the stories of the people who made them. From Chatham’s historic buildings, from the Commissioner’s House and officers’ quarters to the remarkable Georgian ropery, where the rigging for HMS Victory was made, to its collection of maritime archaeology, the Dockyard forms an indispensable part of Britain’s naval history and its national heritage.
As a fully accredited museum, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust collects, preserves, researches and exhibits objects and materials connected with the history of the dockyard and its people. It studies the development of Royal Navy warship design, construction and the use of the River Medway by the Royal Navy.
Visitors to and users of The Historic Dockyard Chatham are fundamental to its purpose and the economic reuse of the site and its buildings. Its staff and volunteers play a vital role in providing a high level of service and customer care. The Trust is also involved in the on-going regeneration of Medway and The Thames Gateway, with Culture and Heritage at its heart.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is under the stewardship of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, a registered charity and fully accredited museum responsible for the care and preservation of the Dockyard