THE Severn Valley Railway will mark 75 years since D-Day by stepping back to the 1940s for two weekends.

On June 29 to June 30 and July 6 to July 7, Kidderminster Station will be hosting fire-fighting re-enactments, vehicle displays, a Red Cross dispensary shop, vintage bus rides, live music from the Kalamazoo Band, replica air raid shelters, ARP Post and a tobacconist.

To tie in with the 75th D-Day anniversary, people can visit the 40s rest centre and closing ceremonies featuring Second World War veterans will be held on both Sundays.

There will also be evening big band shows taking place on the Saturdays.

Bewdley will host a range of vintage vehicles, clothes and memorabilia stalls, a Women's Timber Corps display and a licensed buffet.

At Arley, visitors can see a wartime wedding and Royal Army Medical Corps advanced dressing station, as well as an original Anderson air raid shelter, a replica First World War tank, Homeguard artefacts,vintage caravans and vehicles, wedding dress display, live music from Kevin Mack and a Home Fires Burning display on June 29 and June 30.

Highley will once again host the much-anticipated battle re-enactment as well as an allied encampment and The Royal Warwickshire Re-enactment Group will give demonstrations of the equipment carried by Second World War soldiers.

The Engine House will also host a vintage marketplace and tours of King George VI's royal saloon.

This year’s big band shows take place at Kidderminster from 7.30pm on June 29 and July 6, featuring 10-piece swing band the Kalamazoo Band and special guests.

Real ale will be served in the King and Castle and hot food will be on offer in Kidderminster's refreshment room. Separate wristbands must be purchased to attend.

Paul Bowler, head of the 1940s Committee, which organised the event, said: “We once again have a very busy schedule with lots to see, do and enjoy all along the line – and this year will be extra special as we mark 75 years since the D-Day landings.

“We would encourage people to get dressed-up, come along and soak up the atmosphere as we pay a light-hearted tribute to the spirit of wartime Britain.”

One-day fares to the 1940s weekends are available to purchase at svr.co.uk. Fares start at £28.80 for adults, £27 for seniors and £19.30 for children, or £63.90 for a family of two adults and up to four children.

Wristbands for the big band concerts cost £13 and pre-booking is recommended.

Visit the website or call 01562 757900.