1940s Weekend
1st & 2nd August 2026
Our beloved 1940s Weekend is back in 2026 – bigger and better than ever! Join us on Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd, for an unforgettable journey into one of the most iconic decades of the 20th century. This annual celebration transforms the Mid-Norfolk Railway into a living time capsule, offering a rare chance to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the wartime era.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll encounter a captivating blend of history and entertainment. Two trains will be in operation, transporting you through the Norfolk countryside as you soak up the atmosphere of the 1940s. Along the line, you’ll discover an array of period vehicles, immersive displays, and interactive exhibits that bring the era vividly to life – from the Home Front to the front lines.
At Dereham Station, history comes alive through re-enactors, vintage stalls, and themed displays as they offer a fascinating insight into daily life during wartime Britain. For visitors at Wymondham Abbey Halt, further displays and exhibits await, as well as a Bar Tent with music and a dancefloor!
Yaxham Station will be home to more 1940s reenactors, and we are pleased to confirm that our neighbours at Yaxham Light Railway will be operating their own narrow gauge services from their site adjacent to the Mid Norfolk Railway stop. Here you will be able to view and ride behind two ex-War Department narrow gauge diesel locos (additional costs apply) and there will also be a Nissan Hut to explore!
Your Day Rover ticket grants you unlimited travel between Dereham and Wymondham Abbey across the whole day, along with access to displays along the line.
Please note: there is an admission fee of £3 for entry to the displays and stalls at Dereham Station for those wishing to visit but not travel on the train. If you have purchased a train ticket this does include the entry fee, should you purchase the entry ticket and then wish to purchase a train ticket the entry fee will be deducted from the price of travel.
📅 Event Dates: Saturday, August 1st & Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
🚂 Highlights include:
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Two vintage trains in service
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Period vehicles and living history re-enactments
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Interactive wartime displays
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Vintage stalls, exhibits, and themed entertainment
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a railway lover, or simply looking for a unique family day out, the Mid-Norfolk Railway 1940s Weekend promises an immersive experience you won’t want to miss.
**TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS**
We are aware that a section of the A47 around Easton will be closed for the duration of our event, therefore please check your travel arrangements and plan accordingly. Why not travel by mainline train to Wymondham Station then wander down to our Heritage Line at Wymondham Abbey Halt to enjoy a full day of rail transport & history!
Exhibitors
If you want to get involved, please click here to sign up today! PLEASE NOTE - the Vintage Market in Dereham Marquee is now full, however we do still have space in the event area at Wymondham Abbey Halt.
Fares
Purchase advance tickets for our 1940s Weekend at a discounted rate for quicker check-in with a simple QR code scan.
Book early to save!
*Kids Go Free Offer does not apply to this event.*
Item | Advance Price | On The Day Price |
|---|---|---|
Adult Day Rover | £26.00 | £32.00 |
Child Day Rover (5-15) | £11.00 | £16.00 |
Child Under 5 | FREE | FREE |
Family Ticket
(Valid for 2 Adults and 2 Children) | £54.00 | £66.00 |
Concession | £24.00 | £30.00 |
Registered Carer | £15.00 | £21.00 |
Dogs/Cycles | £3.00 | |
MNRPT Member | £24.00 | |
Working Members | £5.00 |
Gift Aid Tickets and Donations - When purchasing your ticket you will be given the option to Gift Aid your purchase. As a registered charity, Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you spend!
Please note - Where a customer purchases a ticket and elects to add Gift Aid, the full amount paid for that ticket is treated as a voluntary donation to the charity. In accordance with HMRC Gift Aid regulations, donations made under the Gift Aid scheme are non-refundable under any circumstances. As a result, once Gift Aid has been applied, no element of the ticket purchase — including ticket fees or associated charges — can be refunded, including in the event of cancellation or non-attendance.
Tickets for the 1940s Weekend can be bought on the travel day at Dereham or Wymondham Abbey ticket offices.
If boarding at intermediary stations, you can purchase tickets on the train from our Ticket Inspectors or Guards. On-the-day tickets are pricier than advance tickets, and queues may occur during busy times.
IMPORTANT: To access the platform at Dereham during this event, you must purchase either a travel or access ticket.
*Kids Go Free Offer does not apply to this event.*
*Please note that a valid MNR HOPS ID Card is required to obtain a MNRPT Working Members ticket.
Timetables
Saturday 1st August & Sunday 2nd August
Traction
Below is the current list of traction set to attend and operate during our upcoming 1940s Weekend.
Please note: All locomotives and units are subject to availability. The Mid-Norfolk Railway reserves the right to change or cancel any traction without prior notice.
Event - Terms & Conditions
*Please note that our Kids Go Free offer is NOT valid at this event. Any child between the ages of 5 - 15 must purchase a ticket to travel.
**Please note that whilst every effort is made to the advertised traction & services we do reserve the right to amend, alter or cancel service, The Mid-Norfolk Railway does not accept any responsibility for any inconvenience caused.
***Please note that the Mid-Norfolk Railway do operate a Challenge 25 policy and reserves the right to ask for Photo Identification/proof of date of birth. The Mid-Norfolk Railway also reserves the right to not serve alcohol to anyone it believes is below 18 years old, no refund will be made in this case. The Mid-Norfolk Railway will not tolerate any abuse or violence towards its staff members at any time.
****The Mid-Norfolk Railway are unable to offer any cancellations, refunds or reschedules to any orders, therefore please ensure you can attend the date/time you select before you make payment and book. By making a booking you agree that you shall not take on board the carriage any alcoholic drinks or illegal substances.
Full Terms & Conditions can be found here