Buxton 1940s Weekend – What’s On When

Buxton 1940s Weekend

Get ready to step back in time as Buxton transforms into a vibrant celebration of the 1940s this weekend. On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026, the town will come alive with vintage fashion, military vehicles, living history, and nostalgic entertainment – set against the stunning backdrop of Buxton Crescent and its historic surroundings.

Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and lovers of all things vintage, the Buxton 1940s Weekend promises an unforgettable experience – from hands‑on creative workshops and family activities to fascinating talks and immersive historical experiences, there’s plenty for everyone to see and do.

What’s On

Saturday 9th May

• Living history & vehicle displays (10am – 4pm)
  Explore immersive displays around the Crescent area, The Pump Room, and Turner’s Memorial.
• Vintage traders in the Assembly Rooms
  Browse a fantastic selection of retro goods and unique finds.
• Swing & Tea Dance (from 2pm)
  Head to St John’s Church Buxton (near the Buxton Opera House) for an afternoon of music and dancing with DJ Marie.
  £5 recommended donation. Tea and cake available made by the church team! (cash preferred).
  👉 Find out more
• Evening with the Ashby Big Band (from 7pm)
  Enjoy a spectacular night of live big band music in the Assembly Rooms.
  £26.20 (inc. booking fee) per person. Tickets available online and at The Pump Room.
  👉 Book tickets

Sunday 10th May

• Living history & vintage market (10am – 4pm)
  Taking place in the Assembly Rooms with plenty to explore.
• Live entertainment from Johnny Victory
  Performing throughout the day in the Assembly Rooms.
• Vehicle displays
  Discover impressive wartime vehicles stationed around the Crescent, Pump Room, and Turner’s Memorial.

Plan Your Visit

Parking for the Buxton Crescent area is available at several nearby council-run car parks, all within easy walking distance:

• Bridge Street Car Park (SK17 6BS) – central and convenient
• Buxton Town Hall / The Slopes (SK17 6DZ) – larger car park near Pavilion Gardens
• Market Place (Town Hall) (SK17 6EB) – not available on Saturdays
• Market Street Car Park (SK17 6LD) – another great long-stay option

You can find a full list of car parks in Buxton here.

The Pump Room (Buxton Visitor Centre and tourist information) will also be open throughout the weekend, serving refreshments an ideal place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere during your visit.

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Get Involved

Interested in taking part? Whether you’re a living history enthusiast, vintage trader, or have a military vehicle to showcase, you can still get involved.
📧 Email: [email protected]

Don’t miss this unmissable weekend of history, music, and vintage style in the heart of Buxton. Dust off your 1940s outfits and join the celebration!

More Upcoming Events

🧛 Talk: Dacre Stoker – 129 Years of Dracula 

20th May 2026 | 7pm – 8pm
The Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
£12.58 (inc booking fee)

An engaging audio‑visual presentation by Dacre Stoker, great‑grandnephew of Bram Stoker, exploring the journey of Dracula from novel to stage and screen. Featuring rare images and film clips, the talk examines how the iconic character has evolved across more than a century.

The evening concludes with an interactive discussion where audiences can share their favourite portrayals of Dracula.

Workshop: Dacre Stoker – Hands-On Literary Investigation

21st May 2026 | 7pm – 8pm
The Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
£15.72 (inc booking fee)

The day after the talk, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore the origins of Dracula through rare documents and manuscripts. Guided by Dacre Stoker, attendees work together to uncover clues about the missing pages from the original manuscript, gaining insight into the creative process behind this literary classic.

🪴 Gardeners’ Market & Busy Garden Gnome Trail 

30th May 2026, 10am – 4pm (Market) | 10am – 5pm (Trail)
The Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
Free entry

A brand‑new Gardeners’ Market celebrates Buxton’s thriving gardening community, with locally grown plants, floral displays, and expert knowledge on hand. Organised by the Buxton Garden Trail team, the market aims to inspire wellbeing through gardening and showcase local talent.

Alongside the market, families can enjoy the Busy Garden Gnome Trail — a fun, self‑guided activity where children follow hidden gnomes to uncover a gardening‑themed word and learn how plants grow.

🎩 Buxton Belle Époque Ball 2026 

6th June 2026 | 7pm – 11pm
The Assembly Rooms, Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
£83.84 (inc booking fee)

Step into the elegance of the Victorian and Edwardian eras at this spectacular evening in the Assembly Rooms of The Crescent. Guests are welcomed with a drinks reception and canapés before enjoying dancing to live music from the Archaedium Ensemble.

With guidance from an expert dance caller, attendees can take part in traditional dances of the era. Guests are encouraged to dress in period attire to fully embrace the atmosphere.

What’s Included

• 🥂 Complimentary drink on arrival
• 🍴 Canapés during the reception
• 💃 Dance lesson (optional) from 2pm to 4pm on the day of the event, included with your ticket.

Explore More at the Buxton Crescent Experience

Make the most of your visit to Buxton by exploring the Buxton Crescent Experience. Journey through nine interactive rooms that tell the fascinating story of Buxton’s famous water, its rich heritage, and the people who sought its healing powers.

As you explore each room, visitors are enticed with interactive digital displays and informative information panels.

The highlight is the VR (virtual reality) balloon ride as you’re taken on a journey back in time to Buxton in 1792 in a hot air balloon!

🎟️ Ticket Prices (inc booking fees)

• Adults (16+): £15.67
• Child (8 – 15 yrs): £2.62
• Child (0 – 7 yrs): Free
• Essential Companion: FREE

Book tickets

Opening times for Buxton Visitor Centre: (The Pump Room) Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH

T: 01298 214577