North Norfolk Railway 1940s weekend gets off to a flying start with songs, stories and spam sandwiches

History fans turned out in force at Sheringham and Holt this morning, as the North Norfolk Railway's annual 1940s weekend got underway with songs, stories and spam sandwiches.

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Early showers gave way to mid-morning sunshine as crowds in their thousands descended on the two towns, sporting costumes from the era ranging from land girls' and boy Scouts' outfits, to WW2 British soldiers' and American airmen's uniforms.

Ipswich couple Nick and Nicky Reynolds, who first attended the forties weekend 18 years ago, said the event had grown beyond recognition.

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'It was tiny back then with just a few people,' Mr Reynolds said. 'What is nice about it is that it's an escape from mobile phones and modern technology; there are so many reasons to just stay inside these days and it is a great way of getting back to going out, sharing a cup of tea and chatting to people.'

Mrs Reynolds, who organises Women's Land Army-themed living history events and has worked as a WW2 advisor for BBC TV and a number of film companies, added: 'It is something I feel incredibly passionate about and coming here gives me a chance to let people know about it.'

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

With trains running between Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt every half an hour, visitors to the event will have a chance to make the most of a packed programme, including music on Sheringham station and at the town's Tesco store, wartime rations at Naafi cafés at Sheringham's Lighthouse Church and Weybourne stations, and attractions at Holt station ranging from re-enactment groups, to vintage cars, trucks and motorbikes.

Sheringham mayor David Gooch said the 1940s weekend had developed into a 'phenomenal' event benefiting the whole area.

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'It extends the holiday season, there's a wonderful atmosphere and the amount of time and effort all the traders and participants put in is just incredible,' he added.

The Norfolk Norfolk Railway 1940s weekend continues today with vintage stalls, music and vintage vehicles on Shirehall Plain, Holt, and a military parade at Sheringham at 7pm. Sunday events include a civilian and military re-enactors' parade at 4pm at Sheringham. For train times and tickets, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press: North Norfolk Railway 1940s weekend. Picture: KAREN BETHELL North Norfolk Railway 1940s weekend. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Pictured is Chloe Baker-Cooper. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Pictured is Chloe Baker-Cooper. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Holt. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt The North Norfolk Railway's 1940's weekend at Sheringham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)