Rufford Abbey Country Park is preparing to host an event depicting life and times during World War Two.

On the Home Front is the popular 1940s event which returns to the country park for the eighth year on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28. It is being organised by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with EventPlan.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the event on both days between 11am and 4pm, and it will feature an action packed programme of displays, music and song, talks and other performances.

Among the highlights will be a recreated emergency scenario where casualties will be rescued from the burning building of the Abbey ruins after it has been badly damaged by the Luftwaffe. Firefighters in period costume will tackle the blaze using hoses and a turntable.

Councillor John Knight, Culture Committee Chairman at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are very pleased to be holding this popular event again.

“There will be something of interest for everyone during the weekend and the programme on the Sunday includes a church parade and service – giving everyone the opportunity to remember those who sacrificed so much for their country during World War Two.”

The event has extra poignancy, as it is being held 75 years after the start of World War Two, in September 1939.

Further attractions at On The Home Front will include:

• A Stuart Light tank, which will be just back from the 70th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of France, Belgium and parts of Holland
• Visitors being able to climb aboard and view the authentic interior of a wartime Russian T-34 tank, the famous Soviet medium battle tank (for a modest donation to charity)

• A full all-day programme of music, song and dance including very popular singers Marina Mae, Sincerely Yours, and Ricky Hunter and Jayne Darling.

• Original WWII news reels and films shown via a period projector.

And for the first time this year, there will be other music performances from The Three Belles (Sunday only) – the extremely popular all girl trio, and Leah Madella (Edith Piaf tribute, both days).

Howard Giles, from EventPlan said: “We are delighted to be staging this event commemorating the British people and their allies during World War Two, especially in this 70th (The liberation of Western Europe) and 75th anniversary year (when war started). We’ll be remembering not only the military struggle, but how life on the Home Front heroically carried on regardless through all the bombs and shortages.”

Other highlights include:
Appearances from ‘Winston Churchill’ and ‘General Montgomery’, NFS and Civil Defence services, dance demonstration (Festival Swing Dance Society), Learn the basic swing jive and stroll (The Jitterbugs), ‘Mr Punch versus Adolf Hiltler’ (Ancient Wisdom), Training for D-Day (The East Yorkshire Regiment), period cars and other vehicles and traders with 1940s clothing, uniforms and equipment, and assorted period items for sale.

Admission to the event is free and car parking costs just £5 per day.

For more details visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/whatson or EventPlan’s website: www.eventplan.co.uk