Families flocked to the Army Flying Museum this half term as the popular attraction hosted a packed programme of 1940s-inspired activities for its “Forties February” event.
Visitors of all ages embraced the opportunity to step back in time, immersing themselves in a week-long celebration of wartime Britain. The museum team delivered an engaging and educational schedule designed to bring the spirit of the 1940s to life.
From live 1940s cooking demonstrations — where traditional rissoles proved a surprising hit — to hands-on “Dig for Victory” sessions, families were encouraged to experience history in a truly interactive way. Children took part in creative crafts, tackled evacuee suitcase challenges, explored authentic 1940s house tours and handled historical objects, gaining a deeper understanding of life on the Home Front.
Museum staff described the week as “incredible”, praising the enthusiasm of the many families who took part. The event aimed not only to entertain but also to educate, offering insight into wartime resilience, community spirit and everyday life during a defining decade in British history.
Special thanks were extended to Gramofun for helping recreate the sounds of the era, and to historic knitting expert Joyce Meader, whose demonstrations added an authentic creative touch to the atmosphere.
The museum also expressed its gratitude to Dobbies Garden Centre and Oaktrack Smallholding for generously donating materials to support the “Dig for Victory” activity. Their contributions helped ensure visitors could fully engage with the wartime gardening initiative that encouraged communities to grow their own food.
With strong attendance and glowing feedback, Forties February once again proved a successful and memorable half term highlight at the Army Flying Museum, reinforcing its role as a key heritage attraction bringing history vividly to life for new generations.