West Somerset Railway's 1940s event 'best weekend of the year'

Visitors and reenactors came from as far as Liverpool, Manchester, and the Midlands for West Somerset Railway's historical event on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15.

Revellers also called into Watchet to enjoy Watchet Visitor Centre's supporting event from the Home Front Group, with locals dressing in forties-inspired dresses and suits.

Themed events - including a cookery demonstration and vintage car display - were held at "almost every station" on the railway line, including Watchet, Minehead, Blue Anchor, Washford, Williton, Stogumber, and Crowcombe Heathfield.

Fiona Payne, manager of Watchet Visitor Centre, said: "The Watchet 1940s event is a supporting event to the West Somerset Railway Forties Event.

"Here in Watchet, we celebrate the fashion, music and domestic situations of the day. A full programme of music ran for two days in three separate venues, we had a selection of Vintage vehicles including domestic cars, Home Guard military vehicles and tractors.

"The whole of Watchet was involved with local businesses providing food which included liver and onions, corned beef hash and lots of cake.

"Local singers and musicians sang and played until they were hoarse. There were events in the Boat Museum, The Royal British Legion and Chives Café.

"A full vintage market ran for the two days attracting collectables, vintage clothing, and militaria from around the county."

She added: "All in all it truly was the best weekend in the Watchet Calendar, but then I am biased. It brings back some of the old qualities of life, you wouldn't want to go back to the '40s, but there are some aspects that we really enjoy today."

Alison Prior, from Minehead's vintage shop Wombledon (wombledonminehead.co.uk), said: "West Somerset Railway's 40's event was as popular as ever, with plenty to see and do at almost every station along the line, with Saturday evening's platform dance at Minehead station being completely sold out."