By Rhiannon Woodhams

Sandwich will turn back in time to the 1940s this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Sandwich Salutes 40s is a three-day event starting today with a cinema screening, and weekend long schedule of entertainment including free live music on the Quay with traditional 40s style singing and dancing.

There will also be a concert in St Mary’s Art Centre on the Saturday evening, as well as music outside the Fleur de Lis pub.

Visitors can expect to see a range of craft stalls in St Peter’s Church and garden, with Nostalgic Sandwich providing traditional refreshments.

The P22 Gunboat will also be moored on the River Stour welcoming visitors on board throughout the weekend. It will be manned by a crew of six with three 50-calibre Browning machine guns on display.

Up to 200 experienced re-enactors will be unmissable around the town as they bring recognisable 40s figures such as the Desert Rats, Red Cross Nurses, Land Army Girls, the Home Guard and the RAF, to life.

Local businesses and groups will also join in the fun by dressing in typical 1940s clothing and decorating their shops.

The event has been organised by Sandwich Rotary Club, the P22 Trust and Sandwich Community Events Association.

It kicks off on Friday evening with a special fund-raising film showing in the Empire Cinema.

The longest Day is the 1962 classic of the D-Day Normandy landings, which shows at 7.30pm (doors and a bar will open at 7pm.)

Tickets £10 include a buffet made available courtesy of Sandwich Coop and the Sandwich Shop.

Bookings can be made by leaving a message on 01304 611619 or e mail info@sandwichevents.org.uk

Full details of the three day Sandwich Salutes the 40s event can be found at www.sandwichevents.org.uk