Alford 1940s Weekend: A Jolly Jaunt Back in Time

Ah, the Alford 1940s Weekend! Where else can you step back into an era when stockings were seamed, and spam was a luxury item? Darren and I arrived Friday evening with time to spare, eager to immerse ourselves in the nostalgia. After all, who wouldn’t want to relive the days of ration books and Victory Rolls?

First things first, we caught up with the lovely Bridget and Simon from the Lah Di Dahs, and the delightful Eleanor Mattley, who brought along her mum and the ever-charming Jack, a fabulous two-year-old with a smile that could melt even the sternest Home Guard. With so many familiar faces, it was already shaping up to be a splendid weekend.

We then decided to indulge in some proper British fare—fish and chips from the Jolly Friar. Now, if you’ve never had the pleasure of devouring your fish and chips in Alford’s market square, you’ve truly missed out. There’s something about the combination of crispy batter, golden chips, and the gentle hum of distant Glenn Miller tunes that just makes everything taste better. We sat there, munching away, and soaking in the atmosphere, feeling as though we’d been transported straight back to 1943.

After filling our bellies, we checked into our cosy Airbnb in Sutton on Sea, hosted by the wonderful Stephanie. She’s the kind of host who makes you feel like you’ve arrived at your favourite aunt’s house—warm, welcoming, and with a kettle that’s always on. A good night’s sleep was in order because Saturday was promising to be quite the adventure.

Saturday arrived, blustery as ever, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. The stage was set in the market place, right next to a majestic Spitfire—a sight to behold! Sharing the stage with Eleanor Mattley and Kyle Evans as George Formby was an absolute treat. The wind might have been playing havoc with our hair, but the crowd’s enthusiasm kept us going strong. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like belting out a tune while trying to keep your dress from flying over your head.

Saturday night was the grand dance, a chance to let our hair down and say a massive thank you to June, Denver, Bob, and Dan, who have been the heart and soul of the Alford 1940s Weekend for the past four years. Their dedication is nothing short of heroic—after all, who else could create four miles of bunting without going completely barmy? The dance itself was brilliant, with Major Swing and Kitty leading the way. We ended the night in true 1940s style, doing the conga through the market place, only to find ourselves locked out of the Corn Exchange! There’s nothing quite like a good laugh to end a fantastic evening.

Sunday greeted us with bright sunshine, perfect for catching up with old friends. We bumped into the Lah Di Dahs again, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. The day flew by in a whirlwind of vintage fashion, lively music, and plenty of cups of tea (and perhaps a sneaky G&T or two).

As the weekend drew to a close, there was a bittersweet feeling in the air. It’s the last year that June, Bob, and Dan will be organising the event, and it’s hard to imagine Alford 1940s Weekend without them. But what a weekend it was! Full of laughter, memories, and that special camaraderie that only comes from stepping back in time with a bunch of wonderful people.

So, until next time, keep calm, carry on, and if you ever find yourself near Alford, make sure to pop by the Jolly Friar for some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever taste!

Jayne Darling