Fringe Events

To compliment the exhibition, we have put together a series of events as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: Talks are limited to 30 persons per talk so early booking advised. Tickets are £10 and includes admission to the Longest Yarn Exhibition. Talk only tickets available upon request.

Saturday 5th September, 2026

VINTAGE FAIR @ 10am-4pm
Corn Exchange, Welshpool. Admission Free!

Saturday 5th September, 2026

AN EVENING WITH THE RONNIES @ 7:30pm
A close harmony vintage vocal group, from Shropshire, specialising in the sounds of the 1940s. Inspired by the great Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, The Ronnies perform classic songs such as; In the Mood, Route 66, Don't Fence Me In and Accentuate the Positive at events all over the country. Join us for a great 1940s evening with 'The Ronnies'. Tickets £12.50 inc buffet & exhibition.

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THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER, 2026

SURVIVING THE GREAT WAR @ 2:30pm
The Songs, Humour and Words that kept the Boys going. A fifty minute presentation in words, music and visuals exploring how the Arts helped those embroiled in the devastation of the First World War to survive to the end of the day, or perhaps the week, or even to come home safely again. We’ll examine some of the Great War’s poetry, the songs that emerged and the wonderful satire which all worked to keep spirits up.

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THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER, 2026

MEET TOMMY ATKINS @ 7:30pm
On August 4th 1914, with the declaration of war between Britain and Germany, reservist Tommy Atkins is immediately called up to serve his country. Within weeks he sees his first action in the fields of France and subsequently experiences the full scale of life in the Western Front trenches of the First World War – the horror, the pain, the misery, the boredom and even the moments of joy.

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SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER, 2026

MILITARY BOOK FAIR CORN EXCHANGE @ 10am
In conjunction with Hardy's Book Store, Berriew Street Welshpool. Free Admission.

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TUESDAY 15th SEPTEMBER, 2026

WARTIME COMEDIANS @ 2pm
Arthur Askey, Max Miller, Ted Ray, Tommy Trinder, Norman Evans, George Formby etc. Presented by Paul Rushworth.

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TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER, 2026

TALBOT HOUSE @ 2pm
A home from home: Run by the cleric Tubby Clayton, Talbot House in Poperinge, Belgium, became the ‘haven in hell’ for many British servicemen during the Great War and ultimately the inspiration behind the Toc H Movement. This illustrated talk introduces us to the house which allowed men of all ranks and religion to find some home comforts and to escape from the sounds, sights and odours of war for just a little while.

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TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER, 2026

MUSICAL SATIRE OF THE 20th CENTURY @ 3:30pm
In this talk actor & musician Peter Gill explores the evolution of the comedy song in the 20th Century – from the songs sung in the trenches of the First World War to the genius of Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Tom Lehrer and on to the hilarity of Monty Python, Billy Connolly and Victoria Wood. The skill of the satirical lyricist will be identified and a choice selection of the songs performed.

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THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER, 2026

THE WIT AND SONGS OF NOEL COWARD @ 2pm
Born in 1899, Coward was an actor, writer, composer, director, producer, and in later life painter– and he excelled at them all. He said of himself ‘I am an enormously talented man, and there is no point in denying it’. This is a reminder of that talent and some of the wonderful songs and wit of the ‘Master’ including Don’t Let’s Be Beastly To The Germans, Mrs Worthington, Mad About The Boy, There Are Bad Times Just Around The Corner and Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

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THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER, 2026

PRIVATE GODFREY'S REAL WAR @ 3:30pm
To the legions of fans of ‘Dad’s Army’, Private Charles Godfrey was that wonderfully endearing, kind and gentle retired tailor who lived with his two spinster sisters in Cherry Tree Cottage, Walminton-on-Sea. However, the Great War experiences of William Arnold Ridley, who played Godfrey, as a combatant in the front line trenches of the Western Front and again in World War 2 would leave him both physically and mentally scarred for life.

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FRIDAY 25th - SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

WELSHPOOL 1940s WEEKEND
Re-enactors, Blitz Ball, Vintage Singers, Military & Civilian Vehicles, Decorated Shops, Militaria & Vintage Traders, Spitfire Aeroplane, Model Displays, Vintage Bus Rides, Working Horses. ADMISSION FREE!

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