Sheringham 1940s weekend 2024 hailed a great success

The event, a celebration of the decade, was hailed a success by organisers as numbers continue to pick up after suffering in the wake of the pandemic.

On Sunday, the town was filled with antique cars and people dressed in clothes from the era as the voices of Norman Wisdom and Vera Lynn streamed from speakers along High Street and Station Road.

Stewart McClean, chairman of the Sheringham Carnival Committee, said: "We were anticipating a good weekend, especially with the weather, and it didn't disappoint.

The 1940s weekend in Sheringham was hailed as a great success. (Image: Alan Palmer) "It's been absolutely amazing. All in all, it's been a great success. We're building up the numbers again because we did suffer after Covid."

Over the weekend, approximately 30,000 people visited the town, he said.

"It's vibrant. For shopowners who stay open it's a huge bonus," he added.

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Gordon Cannell, 63, in his 1944 Willis jeep at the 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

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Gordon Cannell, 63, drove his 1944 Willis jeep, an all-terrain vehicle that was used by the US army, the 20 miles from North Walsham to Sheringham.

He said he received waves, salutes and flashing lights while driving there. 

"This is one of the most iconic vehicles from the Second World War," he said.

The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer)

He wanted to have one since he was a child and finally managed to buy the jeep 11 years ago from a museum.

Daniel Ball, 28, travelled from Watton. He was wearing the uniform of the 2nd battalion of the South Stafforshire regiment to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem.

The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer)

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Ahead of this year's festival, organisers banned Nazi uniforms to avoid a repeat of scenes last year when a group dressed as SS soldiers caused uproar in the town.

The 1940s weekend was first organised by the North Norfolk Railway and has since grown to involve more people in the station towns of Sheringham and Holt.

The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer) The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer) The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer) The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer) The 1940s weekend in Sheringham. (Image: Alan Palmer)