The sights and sounds of the 1940s will take over Burton Constable Hall and Parkland this weekend, as explosive battle skirmishes, firepower demonstrations, military and vintage vehicles, living-history encampments, music, and dancing transform the historic estate on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September.
For two action-packed days, visitors will be transported back more than 80 years, with the chance to meet re-enactors, explore wartime displays, get up close to an array of vintage vehicles, and experience the drama of live battle demonstrations, all against the backdrop of Burton Constable Hall.
Following the overwhelming response to Burton Constable’s VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in 2025, this year’s event has grown into a full weekend celebrating the 1940s, featuring a significantly expanded programme of live action, entertainment, and history.
Live action and vintage entertainment
Some of the weekend’s biggest moments will take place on the Living History Field:
• 11:30am: Live Firepower Demonstrations
• 2:30pm: Immersive Battle Skirmishes
• All day: Living history encampments, period trade stalls, and vehicle displays
Across the parkland, living-history groups will recreate aspects of military and civilian life, giving visitors the opportunity to explore encampments, speak to re-enactors, and discover the stories behind the uniforms, equipment, and displays.
Beyond the battlefield, the music, fashion, and social life of the 1940s take centre stage. Visitors are encouraged to join in by dressing in 1940s-inspired clothing, taking part in period dance lessons, and browsing vintage trade stalls. Live music and entertainment will feature Paula Marie and Ashlea Lauren on Saturday, followed by Charlotte Porter and Sarah Mai on Sunday, bringing the sound and style of the era to Burton Constable throughout the weekend.
Uncovering local heritage
Alongside the entertainment, the event will highlight East Yorkshire’s own wartime past. Inside Burton Constable Hall, visitors can discover the East Riding Yeomanry Exhibition, featuring authentic uniforms, medals, personal objects, and historic artefacts.
• Saturday: Historian Neil Hutty will deliver two dedicated talks on the East Riding Yeomanry during the Second World War.
• Sunday: Heroes in the Sky, a theatrical storytelling experience, will bring together the compelling stories of fighter pilots, female aviators, and those who experienced the aerial war over Britain from the ground.
A planned flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight remains subject to final operational confirmation, with details to be announced via official Burton Constable channels as aircraft availability and weather permit.
Alasdair Hutson, Chief Executive of the Burton Constable Foundation, said: “We had a really positive response to the VE Day event last year, so we wanted to build on that and see what we could do with a full weekend.
“It’s been quite a step up in terms of what we’re putting on, and a lot of work has gone into getting everything ready. It’ll be great to finally see it all come together this weekend.
“There’s a good mix across the two days, so whether people come for the military history, the vehicles, the music or just to have a look around and see what’s going on, we hope they’ll really enjoy it.”
Event details
• Dates: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 2026
• Times: 10am-5pm (Separate ticketed evening entertainment available Friday and Saturday)
• Location: Burton Constable Hall & Parkland, Skirlaugh, East Yorkshire, HU11 4LN
• Tickets: Available now in advance online or on arrival. Day and weekend options are available: www.burtonconstable.com/DB/events/1940s-weekend
• Evening Dance Tickets: www.ticketsource.com/purevintage/t-jxzvmpr