Back to the 1940s as Great Yarmouth Minster marks its wartime bombing destruction
Events to mark 75 years since St Nicholas Church was devastated by bombing are being held this month. - Credit: Archant
Seventy-five years ago, St Nicholas’ Church was gutted by incendiary bombs. This important event, on Sunday, June 25, 1942, is being commemorated by the Minster Preservation Trust with a series of events based on a 1940’s theme.
The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band will be playing at St Nicholas Minster, Great Yarmouth. - Credit: Archant
From June 23 until July 12, 10am to 3pm, there will be an Exhibition of Great Yarmouth in the Second World War in the Minster which has been put together by the Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society. There will also be a local schools’ project on the war.
On Saturday, June 24 at 7.30pm in the Minster, the renowned Jonathan Wyatt Big Band will perform music from the 1940s.
On Sunday, June 25 at 11am in the Minster there will be a civic commemorative service. This will be followed by a 1940’s fair in the Market Place from midday to 4pm. This will involve the Dad’s Army platoon from Thetford, a Churchill impersonator, 1940’s songsters, Great Yarmouth Brass Band, vintage vehicles, many stalls, etc. There will be a guided tour in a 1959 coach relating the history of Great Yarmouth in both world wars at 1pm and 3pm. To book a seat, email minstertrust@gmail.com.
And a special brew by Lacon’s to commemorate the bombing will also be on sale.
On Friday, June 30 at 7.30pm in the Minster, Jive Bunnies will be performing. They specialise in Swing Jive to the great sounds of the 1930s to the 1950s. Basic tuition in jiving will be given.
On Saturday, July 1 at 3pm in the Minster, professional singer Miss Kitty Collins will sing a tribute to the 1940s and 1950s.
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The Minster Preservation Trust has been fortunate in being awarded a Big Lottery Grant, so all these events are free of charge to attend. There are no tickets; just turn up!
