Long Melford: The 1940 Weekend. An Exploration of Landscape, War and Memory
The Old School, The Green, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9DX
Journey back to the tense summer of 1940 at The Old School, Long Melford. This interactive festival brings the reality of the Home Front to life, exploring the atmosphere of uncertainty following Dunkirk when Britain felt it stood alone under the looming threat of invasion.
Witness a full-scale replica pillbox illumination, as atmospheric soundscapes recreate the whine and rumble of fighter aircraft overhead. Built hastily during the summer of 1940, as the Battle of Britain raged in the skies, pillboxes reflect a time of immense national vulnerability. View historic WWII vehicles and meet the 10th Battalion Suffolk Home Guard living history group. Visitors can step inside a recreation of Captain Mainwaring’s familiar church hall HQ, capturing both the humour and patriotism of the era.
A central highlight is the work of Suffolk photographer Mick Cant. Cant’s evocative and haunting images provide a powerful contemporary perspective capturing the drama of pillboxes in the local landscape, resisting the ravages of time.
Families can enjoy hands-on activities before relaxing in an authentic replica of a NAAFI tearoom—the vital social hub that boosted wartime community spirit.
This immersive, multi-faceted weekend exhibition serves as a powerful tribute to resilience, connecting modern audiences with the everyday histories that shaped the Stour Valley during Britain's most challenging hour.
Timings
- Friday 18 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1000 - 1600
Location & directions
The Old School, The Green, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9DX
- Contact on day:
- Elaine Symonds
- Telephone number:
- +447733179293
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
Parking situated close to venue
