Salute to the ’40s
14 Sep - 15 Sep 2024
A CrEATIVE VINTAGE FESTIVAL FOR ALL THE FAMILy
Get ready for the most spectacular time-travelling vintage festival of the year at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. A weekend filled with nostalgia, laughter and a whole lot of fun for the entire family. Here’s a sneak peek into what awaits you.
What to expect
Entertainment for all the family
Musical Extravaganza
Step on to the dance floor as the main stage comes alive with the swinging beats of yesteryear. From jitterbug to jive, immerse yourself in the tunes that once set the world on fire. Let the rhythm transport you to a bygone era.
Classic Cars and Military Vehicles
Head towards the Admiral’s Offices to witness a stunning collection of vintage military and classic cars. Explore the history and craftmanship behind these timeless automobiles that once ruled the roads and the battlefields.
Time Travelling Performances
Marvel at captivating performances ranging from acrobatics to enchanting storytelling. Witness artists bringing the past to life creating an atmosphere that will leave you spellbound. Don’t miss the incredible display of model railways and boats that will take you on a journey through time.
Vintage Market in Tinker’s Alley
Take a stroll through Tinker’s Alley and the Village Green where you’ll find the vintage market. Indulge in a treasure hunt for unique, hand crafted, and vintage design-led pieces. From retro fashion to timeless crafts, there’s something for every vintage enthusiast.
Family Friendly Fun & Games
There’s entertainment for all ages. Join the dance lessons, participate in good old-fashioned games and be delighted by family friendly performances. The vintage festival promises an atmosphere of joy and laughter for every member of your clan.
Cream Tea & Air Raid Shelter Experience
Treat yourselves to a delightful cream tea as you relax and soak into the vintage ambiance in Commissioner’s House Ballroom. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the past as your take a tour through the air raid shelter transporting you back to an era where families sought refuge underground, bringing the war time experience to life.
Re-Enactors and Wartime Displays
Prepare to be surrounded by reenactors portraying sweethearts, dreamboats and military personnel. Learn about history firsthand and gain an appreciation for the resilience of past generations.
Food & Drink
You will have worked up quite an appetite by the time you have experienced all the fun on offer, so take a breather and sample some of the great food on offer. The Mess Deck and Wagon Stop restaurants on site will recharge you with traditional Pie & Mash or Fish & Chips and savoury snacks, cakes and ice cream. There are no rations at this event, you will find various food stalls catering for a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements across the Historic Dockyard Chatham site.
Buy online to save
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Book your tickets now and embark on a journey through time, where the past comes alive and memories are made for generations to come. Get ready for a humdinger of a weekend that you’ll cherish forever!
Early bird tickets are available until 31 March 2024.
This is an important fundraising event in aid of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust.
Salute to the ’40s
Child DAY TICKET
- Aged 4 – 15 years
- Aged 3 and under go free
Early Bird Price
£18
On The Door
£23
Salute to the ’40s
Concession DAY TICKET
Concession ticket applies to Senior Citizen (Age 65+), Ex-Forces, HM Forces, Kent Services and Forces with ID & Students (walk up only with ID).
Early Bird Price
£25
On the Door
£30
Salute to the ’40s
Family DAY TICKET
2 adults and up to 2 children or 1 adult and up to 3 children.
Early Bird Price
£72
On the Door
£81
Salute to the ’40s
Child WEEKEND Ticket
- Aged 4 – 15 years.
- Children aged 3 and under are free.
Early Bird Price
£27
On the Door
£41
Salute to the ’40s
Concession WEEKEND TICKET
- Concession ticket applies to Senior Citizen (Age 65+), Ex-Forces, HM Forces, Kent Services and Forces with ID & Students (walk up only with ID).
Early Bird Price
£41
On the Door
£53
Salute to the ’40s
Family WEEKEND Ticket
- 2 adults and up to 2 children or 1 adult and up to 3 children.
Early Bird Price
£134
On the Door
£152
we need you
Join us at the Salute to the ’40s event and become a part of living history. We are looking for dedicated traders, passionate re-enactors, and proud owners of classic and military vehicles to make this event truly unforgettable. Whether you want to showcase your collection, immerse yourself in the era, or simply be a part of something special, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Sign up now and help us transport visitors back in time to this iconic era.
SPONSORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship is important to the success of the Historic Dockyard. Our sponsors can enjoy a flexible approach to partnership opportunities and a wide range of bespoke benefits designed to achieve their desired aims.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a variety of catering options on offer including our famous Fish & Chips or Pie & Mash from the Mess Deck Restaurant. We have freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls and pies available in the Wagon Stop Canteen, as well as outlets serving Indian Street Food, Greek Wraps, Sausages and Churros.
Unfortunately, we can not allow alcohol to be brought in to, or out of the site (a range of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be on sale from our bars)
The gates open at 10am. Please have your ticket information at hand ready to be processed and to receive your wristband
This event finishes at 6pm.
Please Note: THE RUNNING ORDER WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY AND NOT IN ADVANCE.
Tickets for our events can be booked securely through this website, links posted by us and links on our social media pages.
Please check your junk inbox in case the email has been sent there.
For all other ticket enquiries, please contact info@chdt.org.uk and our team will do our best to help and send your reference number to you.
In our efforts to make Salute to the ’40s vintage festival accessible to everyone, we offer disabled ticket holders, a free ticket for a personal assistant.
This offer is open to those who hold a current higher rate of DLA or other UK government approved supporting evidence of their requirement for a personal assistant.
Carer tickets can only be issued against general entry tickets.
IMPORTANT: This offer is only available to those people that would be unable to attend the event without a full time assistant.
To apply for a carer/ personal assistant ticket, please follow the procedure below:
– Buy a standard general admission ticket for the person you are caring for as they require ticket for entry.
– On the day of event please bring a copy of your letter of award for DLA (or equivalent) and our team will process your ticket for you. You cannot buy your carer/personal assistant ticket in advance
We welcome dogs to this event (some even dress up!) but please note that we do not allow entry for dogs inside our galleries and restaurants (with the exception of guide dogs).
Please also be aware that this is a busy and loud event so some dogs may find this unfamiliar.
Yes, we have made the site wheelchair friendly but please lookout for the railway tracks to ensure wheels do not get stuck. There may be areas that get busy from time to time, but our staff are on hand to help with any issues.
If you need a wheelchair please contact us on – 01634 823800 – and we can book one for your visit.
Please also see our Accessibility page for our Accessibility guide.
Get a taste of the festival
Salute to the ’40s
With thanks to our event photographers Ray Fothergill, Rhiannon Ideson, Patrick Boniface and Chick Pea Photography.
Events & Activities
Not to be missed
Don’t miss out on other great events and activities taking place this year.
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