Lytham 1940s Weekend 2026 - everything you need to know including times, events, and parking
Lytham 1940s Weekend is almost here!
Lytham will step back in time this weekend as the annual 1940s Weekend returns to Lytham Green, with two days of free entertainment, historic vehicles, music, dancing and military displays.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, from 10am to 5pm each day.
Here’s everything you need to know about the event...
What is happening?
The entertainment marquee on Lytham Green will host a programme of 1940s-themed performances, including wartime speeches by Winston Churchill, Derek Herbert, Colin Bourdiec performing music from ENSA and Lancashire's George Formby, Johnny Victory and the Bluebirds UK.
Lancashire Belle will appear on Saturday, while Helen Farrell will make her Lytham debut.
There will also be a licensed forties bar in the main marquee, while music and dancing will take place around the Mussel Tanks and in Clifton Square.
British Sign Language interpreters Carol and Tony from Co Sign will return to the main marquee for the sixth time, providing BSL interpretation during the daytime programme.
All the latest news direct to your inbox
Historic vehicles and displays
Military vehicles from the Military Vehicles Trust will be displayed on Lytham Green, alongside post-war vehicles.
A military vehicle procession will travel through Lytham at 1pm each day, led by Winston Churchill and featuring jeeps, trucks and vintage bicycles.
There will also be a classic civilian vehicle convoy, featuring vehicles up to 1949, at 12pm each day.
Visitors can see a static Spitfire display from the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Display Team, alongside military charities, re-enactment groups and a cannon firing display. Organisers warn that there will be loud noises and bangs.
Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe
Evening events
The weekend begins with An Evening of Swing on Friday, August 14, hosted by Jane Dean and featuring the Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra and others. The event is in aid of Blue Skies, the local NHS charity, with a suggested minimum donation of £5 per person.
Saturday evening will feature the Kalamazoo Dance Band in the main marquee. However, the event is now sold out.
The Original 1940s Dance will also return to the Lowther Pavilion on Saturday, hosted by the Friends of Lowther Pavilion. Tickets and a Ration Pack cost £30, with an early-bird price of £27.50. The dress code is 1940s vintage.
All the latest news and top stories from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast directly to your phone
Never miss a thing. Click here to join
Parking and visitor information
The daytime event on Lytham Green is free to attend. Parking on the Green costs £10 per car per day in cash, with the money going towards event costs including first aid, security, marquees, traffic management, toilets, generators and fencing.
Disabled parking areas will be available, while buses and trains provide alternative ways of reaching Lytham.
Camper vans and caravans cannot stay overnight on Lytham Green unless they are part of pre-arranged re-enactment groups.
Food and drink will be available at the event, while visitors are encouraged to support businesses in Lytham town centre.
Dogs must be kept on leads and are not permitted inside the main entertainment marquee, except clearly identifiable guide and assistance dogs. Visitors are also asked to be mindful of loud noises.
Organisers have asked visitors not to wear anything that could offend others or anything associated with extreme elements of the Russian forces or Nazi regime.