In pictures: Ramsey 1940s Weekend
AN AIRBASE near Peterborough was transported back to the 1940s for a weekend of wartime-themed celebrations.
AN AIRBASE near Peterborough was transported back to the 1940s for a weekend of wartime-themed celebrations.The Ramsey 1940s Weekend took over RAF Upwood for two days of festivities, where jitterbugging, Spam and Vera Lynn were very much the order of the day.
The annual event was first held in 2003 at the Ramsey Rural Museum, but its growing popularity meant it soon outgrew its roots.
Taking place at the airbase for the second year in succession, a record-breaking 10,000 people joined in the fun this time around.
Organiser Andrew Elsom said Saturday and Sunday's celebrations were the best yet.
He added: "It was a fantastic weekend, and probably the biggest I have been involved in for sheer turnout.
"Our Hangar Dance on Saturday night was a 1,000-ticket sell-out and I think we could have had twice that number, but we could only fit so many people in."
Highlights of the weekend included a flypast from both the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows, tank rides and wartime food provided by the George Hotel in Ramsey.
There were living history displays from Second World War re-enactment groups and even a genuine Enigma machine courtesy of Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes.
Air cadets from the 511 Ramsey Squadron recreated a wartime operations room, giving visitors the chance to learn Morse Code and be strapped into an aeroplane ejector seat.
Every year, the event raises thousands of pounds for charities in the area, and Mr Elsom said he hoped last year's total of nearly 15,000 could be beaten.
He said: "We are hopeful we'll have a sizeable amount to donate this year.
"I saw a lot of happy faces throughout the weekend and I hope we will be able to see a few more when we give the money away."
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Thursday 29 July 2010
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