Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival cancellation is 'big loss' for the village

Residents and visitors say the axing of the Woodhall Spa 1940s Festival is a “big loss” for the village. The popular annual event was cancelled permanently in November 2023 due to high operating costs.

People from all over the country used to attend and enjoy a weekend of 1940s themed entertainment. Bill and Sue King have lived in Woodhall Spa for 23 years and say they will miss the “enjoyable” event.

Bill said: “Financially and socially it will be a big loss. However, it wasn’t well-received by everybody. People who have lived here a long time resented the amount of traffic and they couldn’t park outside their own house.

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“For me personally, I will miss it. Businesses, the conservative club and others will lose a great deal of trade. People from all over the country would come here dressed in all kinds of things. It was very enjoyable. Maybe it’s like the Lincoln Christmas Market, it became a victim of its own success.”

Wendy Birch, from Worksop, was gutted to find out that the event was cancelled after she booked to attend it a year in advance. She said: “I’m really disappointed, I booked a year in advance just so I could come. I’d heard it had gotten really popular.

Wendy Birch from Worksop was hoping to attend her first Woodhall Spa 1940s event before it was cancelled

“It’s really sad to see it go because I’ve been told it’s a fantastic event. I was looking forward to all the heritage, the singing and dancing. Woodhall Spa is a lovely place to come. Whether it’s out of season or in season it’s really nice to walk up and down the town centre.”

Steve Bosworth from Welton says he attended the 1940s weekend every year for 10 years. He said: “We came down every year for the 1940s festival and we absolutely loved it. It’s really sad that it’s been cancelled. It’s a big loss for the people that enjoyed it and a big loss to the town.

“Everybody I know loved coming to the 1940s weekend. They do it in other places but they just can’t do it the same as they do here. The atmosphere was fantastic.”