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Great Central Railway replaces Wartime Weekend with jubilee pageant

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Due to the conflict in the Ukraine, the Great Central Railway has decided to cancel its 1940s Wartime Weekend at the beginning of June – but is being replaced with a pageant celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A scene from a previous wartime-themed event at the Great Central Railway. Great Central Railway

As usual, the event will be across all four stations at the railway, with each station highlighting different periods of The Queen’s reign, from the 1920s up to the 1970s.

The event starts on Thursday, June 2 with a Platinum Afternoon Tea, due to be attended by various dignitaries, followed by a performance from The Thursday Night Swing Band. There will be an old-time fun fair for all to enjoy, and throughout the four days entertainers will take visitors through the songs and music of the time. Vintage vehicles, fashion shows, and demonstrations will also be held, and there will be shopping village to visit.

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And there’s more… there will be a Big Band Dance on the Saturday night, a fly past, flying acrobatics, re-enactors showcasing fashion from 1920 onwards, the Marching Pipe Band and much more.

The line’s managing director, Michael Gough, said: “Like most of us in the UK, we are appalled at the atrocities unfolding in the Ukraine and feel that an event depicting wartime would be highly insensitive at this saddening time. The opportunity to depict our queen’s life on the occasion of her platinum jubilee year feels far more appropriate and it promises to be a truly stunning four days of celebration.”

The event runs until Sunday, June 5. More details will appear on the GCR’s website soon.

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