Dates: Friday 18th – Sunday 20th September 2026

Location: Sheringham and North Norfolk Railway

Entry: Free (some activities require tickets)

Step back in time and experience the spirit of the 1940s as Sheringham comes alive with vintage music, fashion, classic vehicles, and nostalgia. Originally founded by North Norfolk Railway, this incredible event now spans the entire town, attracting over 20,000 visitors from across the UK and beyond.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a vintage fashion lover, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, this weekend offers immersive entertainment, lively parades, period displays, and much more!

What to Expect at Sheringham 1940s Weekend

Authentic 1940s re-enactments & period displays
Live music & dancing throughout the town – click to see the best ever range of 1940s Fringe Events
Themed shop displays & staff in 1940s attire
Classic car & military vehicle displays
Free Ration Book Competition with prizes worth over £400
FreePhotographic Competition with £50 prize
1940s fashion, vintage stalls & food menus
Historical exhibits at Sheringham, Weybourne & Holt stations
Special steam train rides with North Norfolk Railway

Event Schedule & Highlights

Friday 18th September – 1940s in the Town

1940s-Themed Shops and Window Displays

Sheringham’s businesses embrace the wartime spirit with vintage-themed window displays and staff dressed in 1940s attire. The Best-Dressed Window Competition is organized by North Norfolk Railway.

Congratulations to the 2025 Best Dressed Windows winners: Blyth and Wrights (large business category) and Cottage Crystals and Beads, in Sheringham Courtyard (small business category).    

1940s Music Across the Town

Enjoy the sounds of the 1940s as vintage tunes play throughout Sheringham, setting the scene for a nostalgic weekend.

FREE 1940s Online Ration Book Competition (Fri 18th- Sun 20th Sept)

CLICK TO ENTER THE FREE ONLINE RATION BOOK COMPETITION  – AND VIEW THE PRIZES TO BE WON!

For 2026, this will be an online competition

• Collect stamps by visiting participating locations around the Sheringham area and entering the unique code from each poster. Also for businesses without premises, visit their link on their Facebook page and collect the code and stamp from there.
• Win prizes worth £550+ by entering the free prize draw.
• Winners will be notified by email

Hear how Edd from BBC Radio Norfolk got on when visiting Sheringham 1940s Weekend 2025 and took on the 1940s Ration Book Challenge.

Click To Listen   

• Ration Book terms and conditions
  

FREE 1940s Photography Competition (18th-20th Sept 2026)

• Upload your three best images of the 1940s Event to be in with a chance to wine £50 sponsored by Tony Larner Chartered Accountants.
• Entrants must be 18 years old or over.

COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Saturday 19th September – A Full Day of 1940s Fun!

Free – Sing and Dance Along to The Knightingales at the Sheringham Town Clock – Sponsored by Sheringham Carnival 

The Knightingales are a popular UK-based, three-part vintage harmony trio specialising in wartime favourites and swing classics from the 1940s

• 11:00 – 11:30
• 13:00 – 13:30
• 15:00 – 15:30
• 17:00 – 17:30

North Norfolk Railway’s ‘Steam Back to the Forties’

• Ride heritage steam trains between Sheringham & Holt.
• Tickets include entry to the Holt Exhibition.
• Advance booking recommended via North Norfolk Railway.
  Early bird ticket offer get 15% off tickets if booked by 13 September 2026.

Historical Displays and Live Music at Railway Stations

• Sheringham, Weybourne & Holt stations will feature wartime displays, re-enactments, and live entertainment.

Holt Exhibition – Historical Display and Trade Stalls

• Entry for Holt Exhibition Field – Saturday :
  • £15 per adult
  • £5 per child (ages 3-15)
  • Under 3s Free, Dogs free
  • Tickets are available on the day only, not valid for train travel 

FREE 1940s Vehicle Display and Parade (sets of at 7pm) – Vehicles Muster at 6:30pm

• Parade Route: Starts at Sheringham Station car park, travels towards Cromer, left down Beeston Road, returning back to the town centre proceeding up High Street, then past the town clock, up  Station Road, returning  to the carpark.
• No registration required for parade participation.
•  

Sunday 20th September – 1940s

1940s theme continues in Sheringham during the day with live music and activities, 1940s stalls, and everyone getting into the 194os vibe. 

Click here to see the 1940s Fringe Events in Sheringham

Holt Exhibition – Historical Display and Trade Stalls

• Entry for Holt Exhibition Field – Sunday :
  • £10 per adult – Sunday price
  • £5 per child (ages 3-15)
  • Under 3s Free, Dogs free
  • Tickets are available on the day only, not valid for train travel

FREE Vintage Bus Service

• Running between Sheringham & Holt.

Free – 1940s Peoples Parade in Sheringham – 4:00pm

• Open to anyone dressed in 1940s attire.
• Muster along Wyndham Street from 3:30pm (near the Lobster Pub). Parade sets off at 4pm 
• Parade route: from Wyndham Street → High Street → Town Clock → Station Road → Sheringham Station.

Closing Ceremony – 4:20 PM

• Led by Sheringham’s Town Mayor, the North Norfolk Railway General Manager and Town Crier.

Click to find many more 1940s themed events and activities happening during the Sheringham 1940s Weekend.

• Want to list your 2026 1940s event? Contact hello@experiencesheringham.com

Travel and Parking Information

By Car: Saturday Park & Ride (9 AM – 9:30 PM)
Location: Cook’s Field, Cromer Road (NR26 8SQ)
 Parking Cost: £5 per day (cash only)
Return Bus Fare:  £2 per adult / £1.50 per child, Dog £1 (cards accepted)- Please note:  OAP Free Bus Travel Is Not Available On This Saturday Park and Ride Service

By Car: Sunday Park & Walk (9 AM – 6 PM)
Location: Beeston Common (5-7 min walk to town)

Town Centre Parking on both days will be very limited

• Limited spaces, £1.75 per hour for first hour then £1.45 per additional hour (cash or card)
• If the car parks are full, please follow the signs for Park & Ride towards Beeston (Cromer Direction)

Coach Parking for Sheringham 1940s Weekend : £2.50 per hour / £13 (24 hours) on Station Road Car Park, limited to six coaches on a first-come, first-served basis. When full please use as a drop off point and park the coach at the Park and Ride (Sat) or Park and Walk (Sun) site. 

Useful Links & Resources

Ration Book Prize Draw Terms & Conditions
North Norfolk Railway Website
Where to Eat in Sheringham
Places to Stay in Sheringham

A Special Thanks

The Sheringham 1940s Weekend is made possible by:

• North Norfolk Railway – Organising platform and train events.
• Sheringham Carnival Committee – Managing the road closures, the town parades,  funding the Knightingales appearances.
• Experience Sheringham – Coordinating the Ration Book and Photography Competition and year-round promotion of Sheringham.
• The Volunteers and local businesses taking part– Keeping our thriving community spirit alive!

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of history, music, and the 1940’s spirit. See you in Sheringham this September!