I’m very pleased to be performing at the Great Central Railway 1940s Weekend on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026. This is one of the UK’s best-known wartime and vintage events, attracting visitors from across the country each year.

The Great Central Railway is the UK’s only double-track heritage railway, allowing visitors to experience steam trains passing each other exactly as they would have done during the golden age of rail travel. During the 1940s Weekend, the stations along the line are transformed with military displays, reenactors, vintage vehicles, live entertainment, traders and period costumes.

Across the weekend, I’ll be performing a selection of wartime songs, swing music and vintage favourites at both Loughborough Central Station and the Quorn Marquee.

Performance Times

Saturday 30th May 2026 – Loughborough Central Station
🎤 11.30am
🎤 1.30pm
🎤 2.30pm

Sunday 31st May 2026 – Quorn Marquee
🎤 10.30am
🎤 2.00pm
🎤 3.00pm

The event itself stretches across multiple stations including Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North, with steam trains running throughout the weekend. Visitors can expect live music, dance displays, vintage shopping, military encampments, classic vehicles and plenty of opportunities to dress in 1940s style.

One of the things that makes this event stand out is the atmosphere created across the whole railway line. You might step off a steam train to find a brass band playing on the platform, dancers performing in the marquee or reenactors recreating scenes from wartime Britain. It’s a brilliant day out whether you’re interested in music, history, railways or vintage fashion.

I’m looking forward to being part of the entertainment across the weekend and singing alongside the sounds of the steam engines once again.

For more information about the event and tickets, visit:
Great Central Railway Official Website

To book Jayne Darling for vintage events, wartime weekends, festivals and private functions:

🌐 www.jaynedarling.co.uk
📩 jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
☎️ 07795 342639

I’m really pleased to be heading back to Chesterfield for the 1940s Market on Thursday 28th May 2026, performing alongside Johnny Victory in what’s always a busy and well-supported day across the town centre.

The event turns Chesterfield into a full wartime-style experience for the day, with entertainment, displays and live acts spread right across the streets, yards and market areas. It runs alongside the weekly Thursday flea market, so the whole centre has a steady flow of visitors throughout the day.

We’ll be based in the churchyard of the Crooked Spire Church Chesterfield, performing live vintage vocals as part of the wider entertainment programme. It’s a unique setting right in the heart of the town, and it always draws a lovely crowd throughout the day.

Across Chesterfield, there will be a full programme of 1940s-themed entertainment including live singers, walkabout performers, wartime displays, military vehicles and a full-sized replica Spitfire. You’ll also see classic cars, a vintage fire engine, shire horses, and various historical exhibits dotted around the centre, including areas near the Chesterfield Market Hall.

It’s very much a day where you can wander through the town and come across something happening in every direction – from Market Square to New Square, The Shambles, The Yards and beyond.

🎶 Performance times

I’ll be performing at:

• 10:00am
• 11:30am
• 2:10pm

Johnny Victory will also be performing at:

• 10:50am
• 1:20pm
• 3:15pm

It’s always great sharing the day with Johnny – we’ve worked together loads before and it’s a really easy, natural flow between sets which works well in a busy event like this.

🇬🇧 About the event

The Chesterfield 1940s Market is delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council with support from the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme, funded by the UK Government. The aim is to bring the town centre to life with accessible, free entertainment for all ages, while celebrating the history and atmosphere of the 1940s era.

With the school holidays running at the same time, it’s designed as a proper family day out, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

If you’re planning to come along, I’ll be performing throughout the day in the churchyard area, so do pop over and say hello if you’re nearby.

🌐 www.jaynedarling.co.uk
📩 jayne@jaynedarling.co.uk
☎️ 07795 342639

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

Get Ready for Clipstone at War 2025: A Journey Back in Time!

Clipstone at War returns for 2025

Mark your calendars and join us at the Historic Clipstone Headstocks on 19-20 July 2025 for an unforgettable experience at the “Clipstone at War” event! Step back in time and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the 1940s with a range of activities and attractions designed to transport you straight to the heart of wartime Britain.

What to Expect:

• Vintage Vehicles: Marvel at an array of classic wartime vehicles that will take you back to a bygone era.
• Living Historians: Engage with knowledgeable reenactors who bring history to life with their authentic portrayals.
• Military Reenactments: Watch dramatic recreations of historical military scenes and gain insight into wartime life.
• Period Entertainers: Enjoy performances from talented entertainers dressed in period costumes, adding a touch of nostalgia to your visit.
• Vintage Traders: Browse stalls featuring a variety of vintage goods, memorabilia, and crafts.
• Food and Drink: Delight in a selection of delicious food and drinks, perfect for refueling as you explore.

The event runs from 10:00 to 17:00 each day at the Clipstone Headstocks, located at NG21 9EH. Admission is £5 for adults, £3 for those over 10, and free for children under 10.

Don’t miss this chance to experience history come alive at the Clipstone Headstocks. We look forward to seeing you there for a weekend of fun, learning, and nostalgia!

Stay tuned for more updates and details as we get closer to the event.

Kind regards,

Jayne Darling

Clipstone at War Event: A Remarkable Weekend at the Historic Clipstone Headstocks

This past weekend, the historic Clipstone Headstocks were brought to life with the “Clipstone at War” event, held on 20th and 21st July 2024. The event was a tribute to the resilience and unity of the Clipstone community during wartime, and it was a privilege to be a part of it. Singing alongside the talented Lah Di Dahs, we transported visitors back to the 1940s, celebrating the era with music, history, and camaraderie.

Clipstone at War returns for 2025

A Journey Back in Time

The Clipstone Headstocks, towering symbols of the area’s rich industrial heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for this immersive event. As visitors arrived, they were greeted by vintage vehicles, re-enactors in period uniforms, and displays that vividly depicted life during wartime. The atmosphere was fantastic, with the air buzzing with excitement and nostalgia.

Musical Highlights

Performing alongside the Lah Di Dahs was a true highlight of the event. Our repertoire of wartime classics brought smiles to faces and even a few tears of remembrance. Songs like “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover” resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom sang along and shared their personal connections to the era. The Lah Di Dahs’ harmonious vocals and period costumes added an authentic touch, making our performances a memorable part of the weekend.

Community Spirit

The “Clipstone at War” event was more than just a historical reenactment; it was a celebration of community spirit. Local residents, history enthusiasts, and visitors from afar came together to honour the past and enjoy the weekend. There were stalls offering foods, crafts, and memorabilia, as well as educational displays about Clipstone’s role during the war.

One of the most touching moments was hearing stories from those who lived through the war or had family members who did. Their tales of resilience and determination added a personal dimension to the historical facts and made the event all the more poignant.

Educational and Entertaining

The event was not only entertaining but also educational. Re-enactments of key wartime activities, demonstrations of 1940s crafts, and talks from historians provided valuable insights into the era. Children and adults alike learned about the importance of the Clipstone Colliery during the war and the vital role played by the local community.

Preserving History

Efforts to preserve the Clipstone Headstocks and their legacy were highlighted throughout the weekend. The headstocks, now a heritage site, stand as a testament to the area’s industrial past and wartime contributions. Funds raised from the event will go towards maintaining these iconic structures and supporting future heritage projects.

A Successful Weekend

The “Clipstone at War” event was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work of organisers, volunteers, performers, and participants. It was a weekend filled with music, history, and heartfelt tributes to a remarkable era. Being a part of it, especially through music, was an honour and a joy.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the weekend, we look forward to future events that continue to celebrate and preserve our rich heritage. The “Clipstone at War” event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, history, and remembering those who came before us.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and participated in this unforgettable event. Let’s keep the spirit of Clipstone alive, honouring our past while looking forward to the future.

Jayne xx

Alford 1940s Weekend – August 13th / 14th

This event was one of the best on the calendar in 2021and this year will be even better!  The event taking place in Alford, Lincolnshire on 13th and 14th August 2022 will feature:

• Vntage Traders
• Military Vehicles
• Period Vehicles
• BBMF Flypast (TBC)
• 40s Dancehall
• Live Entertainment
• Living History Displays
• Smoke and Mirrors Dancers
• Best in Show Awards
• Live entertainment

This year the Entertainment line up is:

• Eleanor Mattley
• The Lahdidahs trio
• Miss Lily Lovejoy
• Josh Wylie
• Jayne Darling
• Major Swing & Kitty

You can find out more about the event by following their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/alford1940sweekend