Berwick stepped back to the 1940s to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day (8th May 1945) and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
On the evening of 8th May, the beacon on Windmill Bastion was lit as part of a nationwide chain of bonfires and beacons to mark the anniversary.
The Berwick at War 1939-45 exhibition in the Guildhall recalled events in the town during the period and brought to life the home front experience with stalls, demonstrations and displays including children’s toys and games, rationing and “make do and mend”. Visitors were also able to enjoy a war-time lunch based on recipes of the time.
A Day in the 1940s on Sunday 10th May featured a recreated air-raid shelter, a rally of 1940s civilian and military vehicles, and living history re-enactors including a group of landgirls with their Fordson tractor bringing period atmosphere to the Barracks square.
The challenges of being a bride during rationing were revealed in A Wartime Wedding and the weekend programme ended with We’ll Meet Again, a 1940s theme night with music and songs and demonstrations of Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and other dances of the time.
