ORGANISERS of this year’s Railway in Wartime event in Pickering say the event will be bigger and better than ever.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) said that after a review of last year, and in collaboration with Pickering in Business (PiB), they would be bringing back both the military and civilian vehicle parades across the weekend.

On Saturday, the foot parade will be led by the Yorkshire Corps of Drums and will include all disciplines of the military, followed by a vast array of 1940s military vehicles.

Sunday will see the return of the civilian vehicle parade with classic vehicles such as 1930s Austin 10, Rolls-Royce convertible and period motorcycles.

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Chris Price, general manager of the NYMR, said: “Each station will be transformed to create a variety of scenarios and performances, including a wartime street, "The Sidings", at Pickering, Home Guard demonstrations at Goathland.

“Levisham will once again be transformed into the German-occupied French village of Le Visham with re-enactment displays and Café Allée du Bois.”

Chris said that at Grosmont, visitors will have the chance to experience a plotting room, where the RAF monitor and track the enemy and a dispersal hut. There will also be a farewell tour of "Company B" theatre group.

“Not only that, Pickering will have live performances from international cabaret artist, Paul Harper and new for 2017 "The Voice of Vintage", plus much more.

"Ampleforth College Big Band will also play a repertoire of music from the 1930s and 1940s at Pickering station on the Sunday afternoon.”

PiB is organising an array of attractions around the town. There will be stalls at The White Swan, and The Black Swan will host a 1940’s dance on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Vintage fairground rides will be positioned on Smiddy Hill and The Ropery, while in addition to stalls, Pickering Trout Lake will host a 1940’s field gun with "live" firings over the course of the weekend.

A spokesman for PiB, said: “It is hoped that with more attractions and a more cohesive feel to the event, the

town will embrace the event as their own and not only enjoy the experience

alongside the visitors, but be proud to support an occasion that adds to the uniqueness of Pickering as a place to live and visit."

For more information go to @pickering1940s on facebook and nymr.co.uk/wartime