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Award Winning Village At War Set To Be Bigger And Better Than Ever!

Canal village of Stoke Bruerne goes back 70 years

Stoke Bruerne’s annual Village at War event organised by The Friends of the Canal Museum has received three prestigious accolades this year. The first two came in March with the announcement of Runner Up and Commended placements in 2010 The Waterways Renaissance Awards, and then in July the 40s event scooped top honours at the Northamptonshire Heritage Awards winning Best Event; the only wartime themed canal festival to do so.

This year’s event which takes place over 1st-3rd October at Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, is set to be bigger and better than ever, with a vintage fair, replica spitfire and special Land Army display with vintage tractors and a Dig for Victory garden along with farm implements and static animals. Also, a NAAFI tent complete with a bar and serving appropriate wartime fare will be joining the growing band of 40s re-enactors, vintage narrow boats and dramatic Sea Hurricane flying display (Sunday only).

The WWII weekend kicks off at 6pm on Friday evening with a 40s sing-along in the NAAFI tent on the Museum Green and continues through the weekend with tea dances, film shows, displays by the Pitsford Home Guard, Allied Assortment, UK Tank Club, March Vintage Cycle Club. Le Companie de Francois, Trucks, Troops and Stores, Northampton Model Boat Club, Royal British Legion, Cafe René, John D. Collins aka Flt Lt Carstairs of 'Allo 'Allo fame, Lyons Nippy teashop and display of 1940s memorabilia, Sittingbourne Home Front Living History Society, Past Times, 1940's Grocery Shop. Military Vehicles, “Keep Smiling Through” RAF Display, ‘Make Do and Mend' Rummage Sale (items needed!), Evacuate a Teddy and Hatfield Home Guard.

On the Saturday evening there will be the popular Swing Dance with Sticky Wicket and the scintillating Serena Howard-Douglas at nearby Roade Village Hall.

David Blagrove, Chairman of the Friends said: ”This year is the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and at 11am on Sunday 3rd October we plan to hold another drumhead service. Invitations will be going out to local British Legion members to attend and share in the commemoration of this event. We invite all to join us in paying our respects to those who gave their lives and those who continue to do so, in the service of our country. ”

The cost of a day ticket, which includes parking or boat mooring, is £5 per person (accompanied children under 16 are free). Weekend passes are £10. All surplus proceeds from the event will be donated to registered charity, The Friends of the Canal Museum and other local village not-for-profit groups. Full details of the Village at War Weekend and advance booking forms can be found on the Friends website at: www.friendsofcanalmuseum.org.uk

The event is organised by the Friends of the Canal Museum in partnership with the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne and the local community to raise awareness of the Museum and all that the canalside village has to offer.