Taking place on September 26–27, the new event marks a significant expansion for the historic hall, transforming a one-day commemorative celebration into a large-scale, immersive weekend experience. The VE Day event in 2025 brought together visitors from across the region to reflect, remember and celebrate, with period dress, music and community spirit creating a powerful atmosphere. Organisers say the response inspired them to develop a more ambitious event that fully brings the 1940s to life. The 2026 weekend will feature living history, military displays, firepower demonstrations and period entertainment, offering visitors the chance to step into wartime Britain. From re-enactments and vintage vehicles to themed traders and a planned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast, subject to confirmation, the event aims to combine education, entertainment and remembrance in a way that appeals to all ages. The 1940s atmosphere will continue into the evening with live music and dancing on both Friday and Saturday nights, featuring the Leeds City Stompers on Friday and The 309s on Saturday. The hall itself will play a central role throughout the weekend, with visitors able to explore the dedicated East Riding Yeomanry exhibition, which has been on display since opening during the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations last year. The exhibition highlights the region’s wartime history and connects the event to local stories and heritage. Alasdair Hutson, chief executive of the Burton Constable Foundation, said: “The response to our VE Day celebrations last year was fantastic and showed there’s a real appetite for events that bring history to life. We’re excited to build on that with our first dedicated 1940s Weekend, creating an immersive experience that we hope visitors of all ages will enjoy.”
