Eden Camp, the modern history museum in North Yorkshire, has announced the return of its popular Back to the 1940s weekend, set to take place on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, 2025. This immersive two-day event will transport visitors back to wartime Britain, offering a nostalgic experience filled with live entertainment, vintage shopping, and historical displays.
A Journey Back in Time
Set within the 22 original prisoner of war huts at Eden Camp, this event promises a full programme of 1940s-themed activities designed to capture the spirit, sights, and sounds of the era. Highlights of the weekend include:
• Live Performances: Enjoy live music from acclaimed vintage acts like The Bluebird Belles, Claire Louise, Don Gentile, Hep to the Jive, Karen King, and Kyle Evens as George Formby, performing in the Heritage Hall and Garrison Bar.
• 1940s Evening Dance: Join the Saturday night 1940s dance, included with Saturday and weekend tickets, for an authentic wartime dance experience.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the moment with themed backdrops and props, perfect for sharing on social media using the hashtag #EdenCamp1940s.
• Vintage Shopping: Browse handpicked stalls featuring classic clothing and collectibles.
• Refreshments: Relax with a drink from the returning Yorkshire Bus Bar, offering a selection of locally brewed beers, spirits, and gins.
Nick Hill, Museum Manager at Eden Camp, said, “This event is all about bringing history to life. It’s not about looking at the past – it’s about experiencing it. It’s a chance for families, enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to connect with each other and an important time in British history in a truly memorable way.”
Easy Access with Shuttle Service
To make attending even easier, a shuttle bus service will run from Pickering to Eden Camp on Saturday, October 11, in partnership with Pickering CIC. Return journeys will be available after the evening dance, with tickets priced at £5 per person for a round trip, which must be booked in advance.
Mike Potter, Chair of the CIC, added, “In the year that we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this is a fantastic opportunity for Pickering to join with Eden Camp to create an event where everyone can enjoy looking back to a defining period in the history of our nation, and perhaps even break out those vintage outfits!”
Ticket Information
Tickets are available online, with discounted rates for advance booking. Prices are as follows:
• Adults: £19 on the day, £17 in advance
• Children (ages 5-15): £15 on the day, £14 in advance
• Children under five: Free
• Weekend tickets: £30 per adult, £25 per child
• Family tickets and group rates are also available.
For full event details and ticket booking, visit www.edencamp.co.uk/whats-on/back-to-the-1940s.
About Eden Camp
Located near Malton, Eden Camp is the only remaining prisoner of war camp in Britain, built in 1942. It has been transformed into a modern history museum, preserving the original huts as immersive displays that tell the story of life in Britain during World War II. The museum recently received £224,000 in funding from North Yorkshire Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has been used to restore the historic huts.
The museum welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 children on educational visits, and was recently awarded the title of Best Educational Day Out at the SME Northern Enterprise Awards for the third consecutive year.
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