Join us for a weekend of fun and nostalgia as we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with the rest of the nation in 'A Shared Moment of Celebration'
VE Day 80 Festival of the 40s
Desford will be turning back the clock to the 1940s, commemorating, educating, and celebrating all that was done during this decade to secure Victory in Europe. With military displays, dancing, live music, historical reenactments, fabulous food, and vintage vehicles, there’s something for everyone.
Military Zone
The Festival of the 40s will feature a Military Zone with:
• Hundreds of reenactors,
• A wide range of military vehicles
• Encampment displays
• Interactive experiences
• Aerial displays
• Spitfire flying experience with IFly Spitfire Simulator
Homefront Zone
โโThe heart of the village will be transformed into our Homefront Zone, featuring:
• Live 1940s entertainment, including The LahdiDahs, Kyle Evans as George Formby, Homefront Harriet and more
• 1940s dance demonstrations and lessons
• Air raid experience
• 1940s cookery demonstrations
• 1940s themed pubs and tea rooms
• 1940s Wedding display
• Vintage Vehicle displays
• 1940s bus ride
• Children’s quests & family activities
• A Memorial Parade
• Desford in the 40s Exhibition
• Winston Churchill and much, much more!
Tickets
Adults £5.00 | Children £2.50 (under 16) under 2s Free
Tickets can be used for both days of the event. You will need to show them at both Zones.
Programmes are available on the dayโ
โ
WHERE TO BUY
Tickets can be purchased in several ways: online, on the days of the Festival (from either of the 2 carparks), from the Church Centre on Main street, and we will also let know know once they are available to buy on selected days from Desford Library.
ONLINE TICKETS
If you are buying your tickets online.To collect physical tickets please show your QR code at one of the following locations:Bosworth Academy Carpark: 33 Leicester Lane, Desford, Leics LE9 9JLCaterpillar Carpark: Caterpillar UK LTD, GATE 1, Peckleton Lane, Desford, Leics LE9 9JTOnce you have parked you are also able to check in at St Martin's Church Centre Main Street.
โ
Parking
There will be a bus connecting the 2 sites
Homefront Zone:
Bosworth Academy, 33 Leicester Lane, Desford, Leics LE9 9JL
Military Zone:
Caterpillar UK LTD, GATE 1, Peckleton Lane, Desford, Leics LE9 9JT
Follow us for Festival updates
Keep up todate with event details with some surprises along the way by following us on social media:
Not on Facebook or Instagram?
You can stay on this website and check our our social feed here