North Norfolk Railway 1940s weekend hailed a “phenomenal” success after nearly 2,000 join ‘people’s parade’ finale

Karen Bethell

Published: 7:03 PM September 17, 2017 Updated: 3:41 PM October 9, 2020

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

Nearly two thousand parents, grandparents and children packed the streets of Sheringham on Sunday, for a 'people's parade' finale marking the end of the North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend.

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

Traders and townsfolk at Holt and Sheringham hailed this year's event the 'best ever', with more people, more attractions and a 'phenomenal atmosphere'.

Newly-elected Holt Town Council chairman Maggie Prior said the town, which took part in the weekend for the third year running, had enjoyed a boost in trade, with more people than ever before joining in.

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

'We were very lucky with the weather, the town was packed, we had some fantastic music and other events and the number of people who dressed up was amazing,' she added. 'I heard a lot of happy people and I really couldn't pick out anything that wasn't positive.'

Sunday events at Holt included live music from the Battlepipes Marching Band and charity and vintage stalls, while at Sheringham, attractions ranged from music and dancing, to a Naafi café on the station.

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

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Sheringham café owner Royston Young, who runs Roy Boy's in Station Road, said he and his staff had served around 1,000 people over the weekend.

'Takings were definitely up on last year,' he added. 'There was a fantastic atmosphere and what is nice is that people seem more friendly; they were chatting to each other and everybody was happy.

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

'We were quite worried about the weather, but Sheringham produced again, it just gets better and better each year.'

Mr Young thanked the North Norfolk Railway for running the event, which saw an estimated 10,000 people descend on Sheringham and Holt on both the Saturday and the Sunday.

The North Norfolk Railway's 1940s weekend people's parade on Sunday. Picture: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant

Sheringham carnival committee events manager Graham Deans, whose team of volunteers managed town centre events and oversaw road closures, marshalling, first aid and the park and ride scheme, praised all those who helped over the weekend.

'Thanks to a great team, it has been a real success and people have gone away with a positive experience,' he said. 'We had more than 1800 people in the parade on Sunday and 65 military vehicles on Saturday and I think we can now safely say we are very nearly the biggest 1940s event in the country.'