The Year Was 1944 Exhibition -  National Memorial Arboretum

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Sat 04 May 2024 - Sun 05 May 2024

Take a huge step back in time as the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire launches an 80th anniversary programme of wartime-themed events. The Year Was 1944 exhibition, which takes place over the weekend of May 4 and 5, will involve free 1944-themed music, dance, exhibition, activities and performances. The Arboretum, situated at Alrewas, near Lichfield, will transport visitors back in time to 1944 with the launch of a commemorative programme marking the 80th anniversary of many landmark moments of the Second World War.

Fans of 1940s vintage fashion and music, living history enthusiasts, and families just looking for a unique day out will be able to enjoy a free weekend of live music, pop-up performances, dance workshops and children’s vintage-themed crafts and games. From the D-Day landings on 6 June which heralded the beginning of the liberation of western Europe to the Battles of Kohima and Imphal in India that helped turn the tide against the Japanese forces, 1944 was a year of seismic change. There were also significant developments on the home front, with continued food rationing and more than a million children evacuated from cities due to the terrifying threat posed by V1 and V2 missile attacks.



As the Nation’s year-round place to Remember, the National Memorial Arboretum is also offering a comprehensive programme of events and activities throughout the year, including a new ‘1944 - What’s Your Connection?’ exhibition, guided walks, talks and Remembrance services. Rachel Smith, Head of Learning and Participation at the Arboretum, said: “Life in Britain was very challenging in 1944, with the constant threat of missile attacks, shortages of food and supplies, and tragic news coming back from the front line. However, it was also a year of dramatic change and military engagements such as D-Day and the Battles of Monte Cassino, Kohima and Imphal were turning the tide in favour of the Allied forces.

"At the Arboretum this year we will be taking visitors on a journey back to 1944 through real stories from people on both the frontline and the home front. We’ll be kicking it all off with a weekend packed full of free 1944-themed activities, music, dance and performances to remember and celebrate life in Britain during that landmark year." Entertainment and activities during May 4 and 5 include free Swing Era dance workshop and performances in Heroes’ Square; performances by a troupe of roaming actors who will share stories of what life was like in 1944; live music from vintage performers Beth Belle and The Heath Belles with their tributes to great 1940s singers such as Vera Lynne.



On 4 May, a new exhibition, ‘1944 - What’s Your Connection?’ will open at the Arboretum, taking visitors on an interactive and sensory journey back to 1944. The free exhibition will tell real people’s stories of what life was like at home and away during that momentous year, through photos, artefacts, music, and video.

On 6 June, the Royal British Legion is hosting a Remembrance Service at the Arboretum to mark 80 years since D-Day. All visitors will be able to watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance in the Arboretum grounds or as part of a group enjoying a bespoke D-Day 80 groups package.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of many other critical moments of the Second World War. On these landmark dates, visitors are invited to join an Act of Remembrance at 11 am in the Arboretum’s Millennium Chapel, followed by a wreath laying at the relevant memorial.
18 May – Battle of Monte Cassino
22 June – Battle of Kohima
18 July – Battle of Imphal
25 Sept – Operation Market Garden
8 November – Battle of the Scheldt



For those interested in finding out more about these memorials and the stories behind them, from May 4 visitors will be able to follow a self-guided 1944 trail, join a guided walk and take part in a buggy tour. Full details about times and departure points will be available at the Welcome Desk on arrival. For more information about the visitor programme to commemorate the events and stories from 1944, visit: www.thenma.org.uk/1944

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