IT S the event that time forgot… but that s exactly what keeps drawing thousands of people back to Ramsey each year. The Ramsey 1940s Weekend is a living history event, providing a nostalgic celebration of the 1940s. It takes place over the weekend of Aug

IT'S the event that time forgot... but that's exactly what keeps drawing thousands of people back to Ramsey each year.

The Ramsey 1940s Weekend is a living history event, providing a nostalgic celebration of the 1940s.

It takes place over the weekend of August 18-19, and features a host of living history displays, stalls and exhibitions, vintage vehicles and parades.

The 1940s fever also spills out from the main event and into the Ramsey town where the shops will put up window displays based on the era.

Throughout the weekend there will also be musical entertainment from the 1940s, as well as the famous Hangar Dance on the Saturday night.

The dance attracts up to 1,000 people dancing the night away to live music from artists like the Jeff Short Swing Band and Paul Harper.

However, tickets for the dance are selling out fast.

"The Hangar Dance is a real highlight for the year in Ramsey," said Andy Elsom, who is part of the weekend's organising committee. "If you've never been before it's really worth coming along. Even if you're not feeling that energetic and want to give the swing and jive dancing a miss, it's a great place to soak up some great music and relax with a drink.

"If you do feel like dancing the night away, however, this is the place to do it. We've got some brilliant live music and learning how to jitterbug surrounded by authentic sights, sounds and people just having a great time is an experience you'll never forget."

The weekend, which has been running since 2003, is also a successful fundraising event, donating money to a variety of charities, both national and local.

The weekend, backed by Best of British magazine, takes place at RAF Upwood. Tickets to attend the event cost £6 per day for adults, £4 for five to 16-year-olds and OAPs. Under fives are free.

INFORMATION: Tickets for the dance, which is held in one of Turbine Motor Works' huge aircraft hangars, cost £12.50 and are available by writing to Brian and Christine Cunningham, Bodsey House, Bodsey Toll Road, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE26 2XH. Alternatively, tickets are available over the counter from Carousel, 24b Great Whyte, Ramsey, PE26 1HA. All cheques should be made payable to "The 40s committee".

For more details on the event, visit www.ramsey1940sweekend.info.