For the first time ever at any event, Salute to the ‘40s has three of the leading 1940’s female performers together on one stage. With two Main Stages, two dancehalls, dance workshops, street performers and music across the site the weekend at The Historic Dockyard is going to be full of entertaining vintage delight! Keep Calm and Carry On to Salute to the ‘40s on 21st and 22nd September at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
The Spitfire Stage based in the Home Front Zone, with a full size replica of a Spitfire Aircraft, will be surrounded by 1940’s civilian vehicles, anti-aircraft gun displays, a bombed-out house and pub, 1940s village, vintage fairs and a full programme of music and dance on both days. Making a welcome return are the musical delights of Madeline Brown, Fiona Harrison, Polka Dot Dolls and Victoria Yellop. The Spitfire Stage closes on both days with a Finale end-of-day Sing Song and Farewell where all performers on site come together to wave visitors off on their journeys home. Wave a union flag, sing along, dance and enjoy this heart-warming concert of music that kept morale high as our troops were at war!
The Hurricane Stage located within the Second World Ward encampments in the Military Zone, flanked by a full size replica of a Hurricane Aircraft, is the second of the main stages. The Matador Truck platform hosts some of the finest in 1940s’ performers surrounded by military encampments and World War Two military vehicles, as the performers entertain the troops ‘at war’! See the vintage delights of Lola Lamour, Natasha Harper, Puttin’ On The Blitz, Victoria Yellop and Mickie Driver.
Vintage Heaven, full of 1940’s treasures based on the Mezzanine floor up in the rafters of 3 Slip: The BIG Space, in the Home Front Zone, plays home to more ‘40s favourites. Visitors will enjoy the historic surroundings whilst being entertained by the Swingtime Sweethearts, Miss Vintage, The Haywood Sisters, Susie-Qs and Songs from George Formby.
Gypsy John’s Dancehall at the Railway Workshop in the Military Zone will be swinging all weekend with lindy hop and jive performances and workshops. Gypsy John and the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers will help everyone find their dancing feet!
“Plants, Plants, Plants” in Commissioner’s House Garden a 1940s’ children’s musical by Clare Graydon-James. With the country at war, ‘Holly’ encourages the audience to ‘Dig For Victory’. Unfortunately Holly meets a rather silly witch called ‘Doris’, who wants to rid the world of plants. With music and audience participation Holly tries to show Doris that “everything needs plants”. But will Holly succeed?
The Evacuee March sees children from the Three Towns Theatre Company march through the site singing as they ‘Escape To The Country’. The Teacher will lead the school of children, each with their brown name tags, small suitcases and gas mask boxes, singing their hearts out singing ‘We Are Going To The Country’. Wave them off and join in with a sing-a-long farewell.
Along with the best in 1940s’ music and entertainment, the Kent Spitfire Air Display, Vintage Fairs, fashion, Home Front and Military displays, opportunities to meet surviving WW2 Evacuees, an authentic 1940s’ Village, Land Army Animal Displays, vintage vehicles and the Dockyard’s own WW2 Destroyer HMS CAVALIER, all indicate why Salute to the ‘40s is now recognised as Britain’s most entertaining 1940s’ Home Front event! Add the opportunity to take afternoon tea in Commissioner’s House plus all the galleries, ships and attractions of The Historic Dockyard and it is easy to see how the whole family will be entertained at Salute to the ‘40s 2013.
Tickets are now on sale with discounts for ‘Early Bird’ purchases and fast track entry please visit: www.thedockyard.co.uk/salutetothe40s or call the Ticket Hotline on 01634 823826.
Salute to the ‘40s is supported by BAE Systems, Best of British Magazine, Kent Messenger Group and Dobbies.
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