LAND Girls, Lumberjills and the Home Guard are digging in at Beamish Museum recreating the war-time effort to produce food for the nation this weekend.

The popular North East open-air heritage museum will be awash with military vehicles, fun family activities and ration cooking demonstrations, as a celebration of the Dig for Victory drive in World War II.

Visitors from Tynedale can head to the event set in and around the site’s 1940s’ farm, the popular annual event, which runs from today until Sunday, tells the story of life on the Home Front and the vital support role the British countryside played during the war.

Paul Foster, Beamish Historic Events Officer, said: “We’re really looking forward to Dig for Victory.

“Visitors can enjoy firing demonstrations, live music, meet soldiers and farm workers, and military vehicles.

“There’ll be lots to see and do.

“It’s fantastic to be running events again at the museum after what has been a very difficult time.

“We have a range of Covid-19 secure health and hygiene measures in place, including pre-booked entry timeslot tickets.

“We have also been awarded the ‘We’re Good To Go’ standard, so we would urge would-be visitors to book their timeslot tickets for Dig for Victory and other upcoming events!

“As with all daytime events, visitors can use their unlimited pass or Friends of Beamish membership to enjoy Dig for Victory.”

On all four days, identification cards can be collected at the sentry box at the 1940s’ farm, alongside a small army encampment with equipment, tents and, of course, soldiers.

There will also be 1940s’ demonstrations on the Events Field including Second World War British and American vehicles and a Civil Defence display from Friday to Sunday, plus, during the weekend, visit Lumberjill hill for further demonstrations and more information over the role women played during the Second World War.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Durham Light Infantry encampment, with fascinating facts about the regiment and firing displays.

Visitors can also visit the farm’s forge to see the blacksmith hard at work.

There will also be1940s’ dance demonstrations throughout the weekend, with live music by Argosy Saxophone Quartet from 1pm to 1.40pm and 2.30pm to 3.10pm on Saturday.

On Sunday the Ragtime Rewind Swing Band will perform live, from 1pm to 1.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm.

Live music performances will also take place in the band hall in the site’s 1900s’ pit village.

All areas of The 1940s Farm will be open for the event, apart from the British Kitchen, and visitors can take a walk around the cottages, see the farm animals, visit Garden Cottage and Orchard Cottage, and take a look at the farmhouse where they can find out about jam making or “make do and mend”.

The museum is continuing to follow Government and public health Covid safety guidance and reserves the right to alter events and opening times without prior notice.

More information is available via www.beamish.org.uk.