Step Back to the 1940s
Keep calm and carry on to Milton Keynes Museum this September as our much-loved 1940s Weekend returns on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 September.
Step back in time for a weekend packed with living history, vintage music and dancing, wartime displays, historic vehicles and family fun, as the Museum is transformed with the sights, sounds and stories of wartime Britain.
What to Expect
Meet the re-enactors – Discover how people lived and worked during the Second World War with GI 44/45 Living History Americans, the 693 RAF Group and Oxford Home Guard Group.
Life on the Home Front – Learn about the vital role of the Land Girls, discover how families coped with rationing and even sample some of the foods eaten during wartime at the Family at War display.
Meet wartime characters – Find Peggy Skivvy hard at work in Granary Cottage and look out for odd-job man Bernard Skivvy tackling jobs in our historic Street of Shops.
Vintage treasures – Browse traders selling military wear, 1940s fashion and original trinkets from the era.
Historic vehicles & displays – Get a closer look at an array of historic vehicles and visit the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) unit’s exhibition of First Aid artefacts.
Discover Dunkirk – Popular author Neil Storey returns to the Museum to talk about the events and stories surrounding Dunkirk.
Live Music & Dancing
Enjoy the soundtrack of the 1940s throughout the weekend.
The fabulous Lola Lamour will be performing songs from the era in our Vintage Tea Room, while Johnny Victory takes to the bandstand with more wartime favourites.
Fancy joining in? Take to the floor with our professional dance teachers and learn some classic 1940s moves, including the Lambeth Walk and Chattanooga Choo Choo.
No experience needed – just bring your dancing shoes!
Food & Refreshments
Take a break in our Vintage Tea Room, where you can enjoy a traditional brew and a slice of cake while soaking up the atmosphere.
The Granary Tea Room will also be open throughout the weekend serving a selection of hot and cold food, drinks and sweet treats.
Make a Day of It
Alongside all the special 1940s Weekend activities, you can explore the rest of Milton Keynes Museum, with our usual galleries, historic buildings and attractions open throughout the weekend.
It’s a fantastic family day out and a chance for visitors of all ages to experience history brought to life.
Pay once and visit for free all year! Under 5s go free.
Pre-book your tickets in advance or simply turn up on the day. No pre-booking is required for annual ticket holders.
