Learn about the vital support role the British countryside played during the Second World War, see fantastic displays of heritage skills, learn about rationing, discover 1940s fashion and take part in family activities.
Set in and around the museum’s 1940s Farm, our Dig for Victory from 31st August to 3rd September 2023 event tells the story of life on the Home Front during the Second World War.
We have so much planned to see and do, including:
- Collect your ID card and get it checked at our 1940s checkpoint.
- In Orchard Cottage, have a go at Morse Code and Enigma activities – can you crack the code?
- Be amazed by the work of our Lumber Jills and Land Girls.
- See Second World War and Civil Defence displays.
- In The 1940s Farm kitchen you can learn about the effects the war had on home life, with jam making, apple pressing and make do and mend activities.
- See traditional blacksmithing demonstrations.
- Visit a fantastic display of ferrets.
- Stop by the DLI army camp. Saturday and Sunday only.
- Opportunity to have your hair styled in our Land Girls’ cottage, with a fun make-up activity to complete the look! Appointments are on a first come, first served basis, and cost £5 (cash only).
- Join our amazing musical volunteer Ruth, for a sing-along of 40s and 50s tunes in Orchard Cottage at our 1940s Farm from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday!
- Sing-along with our fantastic Beamish Choir outside at 1pm and 2pm on Sunday.
Plus, at our Events and Fairground Fields, see Second World War British and American vehicles, static displays and 1940s army camps.
We also have four days of incredible 1940s music and dance in our 1940s Farm hemmel:
Thursday, 31st August
- Throughout the day – 1940s dance demonstrations
- 11am-1pm – Damaris Jean 1940s Singer
- 2-4pm – Bright Street Big Band
Friday, 1st September
- Throughout the day – 1940s dance demonstrations
- 11am-1pm – Damaris Jean 1940s Singer
- 2-4pm – Bright Street Big Band
Saturday, 2nd September
- Throughout the day – 1940s dance demonstrations
- 11am-1pm – Ragtime Rewind Swing Band
- 2-4pm – Bright Street Big Band
Sunday, 3rd September
- Throughout the day – 1940s dance demonstrations
- 11am-1pm – Ragtime Rewind Swing Band
- 2-4pm – Bright Street Big Band
As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to enjoy this special event.
For more information keep checking back here or follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Beamish reserves the right to alter or change this programme at any point.