The Framework Knitters Museum is hosting a wartime extravaganza on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May. Called ‘Swing Back to the 1940s’, the event will turn back the clock to the Second World War, with staff and volunteers decked out in best 1940s regalia. Visitors to the event are, of course, also encouraged to dress up!
The museum will even have hairdressers on hand to recreate authentic 1940s hairstyles, including the famous Victory Roll. Other themed activities include swing dancing with revival dance in the Chapel (tuition is available for beginners), a traditional street party on Chapel Street, and stalls selling vintage collectibles.
Museum Manager & Curator, Nicola Wood, said: ‘We’re very excited about the second “Swing Back to the 1940s” day, as last year’s inaugural event went amazingly well! People love wartime events, so I’m hoping lots of families come along to try their hands (and their feet!) at swing dancing and enjoy some delicious homemade cakes. Which I promise won’t be eggless or sugarless, despite the theme – and they won’t be rationed either!’
In fact, visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to refreshments. Not only will the museum be selling tea, coffee and cakes from the Tea Room on the main site, but there will also be a selection of soft and alcoholic beverages on sale in the Chapel. The museum’s very own Frame Breaker beer will be supplied by the museum’s charitable partner, Nottingham Brewery, which runs The Frame Breakers pub in the village.
Swing Back to the 1940s takes place from 11am to 4pm on Monday 7th May. Entry to the museum will be free for adults and children alike, and the whole site will be open for visitors to enjoy. As well as wartime-themed activities, there will also be framework knitting demonstrations and the chance to knit your own scarf on a vintage Griswold knitting machine. The Textile Emporium will be open for visitors to explore and pick up souvenirs.
For more information, please call the museum on 0115 984 6914 or email office@frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk.
Faye Stenson