23 May 2012
Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with a step back to the 1940s over a special two day Blackout and Bunting event, 2nd and 3rd June at the Redoubt Fortress.
On the Saturday experience history hands on, take part in workshops and living history displays. Discover how the Second World War affected Eastbourne and experience the atmosphere of the wartime British homefront. Pause for a cup of tea and a slice of bread pudding provided by the W.V.S Emergency Canteen before heading to the Recruitment Post to find out where you may have been posted during World War II.
There’s also the opportunity for the family to sign up for Bomber Command Battle School and to take drill practice with the Eastbourne Home Guard. Or consider wartime rationing with ‘Utility Jude’ and her Ministry of Food cooking demonstrations before visiting the shop for your weekly rations and learn how to 'make do and mend' to get the most out of your clothes and marvel at the fashions of the time.
Get your hair fixed at our 1940s salon in preparation for the evening Blackout Dance (7-11pm) with the Swinging Detective playing Hot Jazz, Big Band Swing and Jump Blues. If you're not sure then come along to our dance workshop before hand to learn an easy stroll (7-7.45pm) we'll have you doing the basics in no time! The tap dancing talents of ‘The Sugarbeats’ will entertain you as they take us back to the glamorous days of the Hollywood silver screen. Dig out your wartime inspired outfits to really get into the feel of the 1940s.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Redoubt look set to be a truly fantastic event. There’s something for all the family – kids workshops, a Blackout Dance in the evening and even a competition all which will take you back to the fun and festivities of the 1940s.”
On the Sunday 3rd, there’s an authentic 1940s street party, complete with flags, bunting, sing-alongs and a chance to meet Princess Elizabeth as she was in the 1940s.
Family crown and flag making workshops will continue during the morning before sandwiches and cakes are served from 1-2pm. Meet the 23rd Sussex Home Guard as they patrol the fortress and admire the cardboard Jubilee cakes.
There is also the chance to win a family weekend ticket for five people for Blackout and Bunting by designing and making a cardboard Jubilee celebration cake.
During World War II many foods were rationed, making it difficult to buy enough ingredients to make cakes. With eggs, margarine and fresh ingredients in short supply it was almost impossible to make a celebratory cake so friends and family would put their rations together to make a small cake which they would place underneath a lavish cardboard celebratory cake. These cardboard cakes were decorated with plaster icing, paper motifs and ornaments. The Redoubt wants you to dazzle them with your wartime creativity and make a cardboard Jubilee cake fit for a Queen!
All 'cardboard cakes' should be carefully delivered to the Redoubt by 30th May where judging will take place and first prize will be awarded to the best 'inedible cake'. All of entries will be on display over the weekend.
A combined event and museum day ticket for an adult £6, senior £5 and child £4. Or for the whole weekend adult £10, senior £8 and child £6.
Tickets for the Blackout Dance are £6 from Eastbourne Redoubt in advance or £8 on the door.
For tickets and more information about what else is going on at the Redoubt go to the website or contact The Redoubt on 01323 410300 or at redoubtmuseum@eastbourne.gov.uk.
