Vintage 1940s festival coming to Chatham Historic Dockyard with classic cars, military vehicles and more

Salute to the '40s is taking place between Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/whitemay)


Take a trip to the past at Chatham Historic Dockyard this weekend with a vintage festival unlike any other. Between Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 the iconic Medway landmark will be hosting the ‘Salute to the ‘40s’ event, transforming the docks into an immersive historic experience.

Complete with era-accurate entertainment, a retro car show, military vehicles and delicious food, the event will celebrate Chatham’s military heritage, with the docks themselves having played a vital role in WW2. The ticketed event will run between 10am and 5pm each day, with plenty to see and do during this time.

A family-focused celebration, organisers promise that there will be a little something for all ages to enjoy. This includes circus performances, story telling sessions and an immersive air raid shelter experience.

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Reenactors will help bring history to life, playing the parts of ‘sweethearts, dreamboats and military personnel’. Head over to Tinker’s Alley and the Village Green for the vintage market where you’ll find a variety of retro fashion, handmade trinkets and gifts of the past to peruse.

Anyone wanting to shake their tail-feathers can learn the dances of yesteryear with different lessons, while iconic wartime music will soundtrack the entire experience. There will be a main stage to put those newly learned moves on display as you jive and swing to the tunes that topped the charts eight decades ago.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring all the festival has to offer, you’ll be able to satisfy those tummy rumbles with a variety of authentic foods. Stalls will be cooking up everything from pie and mash to fish and chips, alongside plenty of sweet treats and snacks to enjoy.

Fear not, as there will be no rationing at the event, and a range of dietary requirements will be catered to, including vegetarians and vegans. Tickets are available to purchase online at the Historic Chatham Dockyard website here and it is advised that all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Parking is available onsite at Chatham Dockyard, and is free of charge for visitors to the dockyard, simply provide your vehicle registration details at the ticket desk or tills. Chatham is the nearest train station to the docks, which is around a 30 to 40 minute walk from the landmark's entrance, though a number of Arriva buses also serve the dockyard.

Ticket prices

  • One day adult - £29

  • One day child (4 to 15 years) - £20

  • One day concession - £27

  • One day family - £78

  • Weekend adult - £52

  • Weekend child (4 to 15 years) - £36

  • Weekend concession - £48

  • Weekend family - £146

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