What to expect at the final Salute to the ‘40s festival at the Historic Dockyard Chatham

Thousands of visitors are expected to give a popular festival a final send-off this month.

Salute to the ‘40s, a retro festival that has been a staple of the Historic Dockyard Chatham’s calendar for 18 years, is coming to a close.

Organisers called time on the weekender in April, announcing plans to make the last festival a “huge celebration” after almost two decades.

The final chapter will include many of the usual activities, including live music, swing dancing and military vehicles, alongside a tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.

Artists such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, D-Day Darlings, The Knightingales and Miss Holiday Swing will perform on the main stages, while Three Towns Theatre Company will be presenting a live radio show and Winston Churchill will give a rousing speech.

The bumper programme of live entertainment continues with bubble and magic shows, old-fashioned funfair games, a dancefloor with swing and jive dancers, wartime re-enactors and living history displays.

Visitors can also see the display of vintage and military vehicles lined up outside the Admiral’s Offices and browse the retro market down Tinker’s Alley.

There will be food stalls dotted around the maritime attraction and the Mess Deck and Wagon Stop restaurants are offering British classics like fish and chips and pie and mash.

Salute to the ‘40s will be at the Historic Dockyard Chatham on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. You can book online here.

Adult tickets cost £29 in advance, or £32 on the door. You can also book weekend and family tickets.