Two Highland villages are to turn back the clock more than 70 years and become the centre of a poignant WWII festival.
The area in Wester Ross is from where many sailors set sail on what Churchill described as “the worst journey in the world.”
Between 1942 and 1945 Loch Ewe was an assembly point for the ships that departed for Russia on the perilous Arctic Convoys. There was an overwhelming military presence in the remote Highland region during the war, which outnumbered the local residents three to one. The wartime operations left their mark on the landscape, as bunkers and gun emplacements are still scattered around the loch.
Now a festival is to be held in the neighbouring villages of Poolewe and Aultbea on the shores of Loch Ewe between May 6-7 recreating the war time period.
Until their numbers began to dwindle, many of the Arctic Convoy veterans held reunions at Loch Ewe, and it was they who suggested some sort of permanent memorial or museum that would serve as a fitting reminder of what they went through and of the importance of the region during the war. The now Russian Arctic Convoy Project was formed following the awarding of the Arctic Star to the veterans in 2013 by the British Government.
The Loch Ewe communities will see battle re-enactments, a full size Spitfire replica, a Russian tank, vintage vehicles for the festival.
Keeping alive the spirit of the forties, the all-girl trio D-Day Darlings will be performing well-known hits from WWII.
Award-winning vintage hair and make-up artists from world famous stylist and author Bethany Jane Davies will also be on hand to help people create the image of the period.
The festival also includes a movie night and a swing and jazz night.
“Dressing up is not compulsory, but we encourage everybody to get into the spirit of the forties during the festival,” said organisers. “There will be many re-enactors and forties enthusiasts at both locations, so we expect a high volume of people in forties attire throughout the weekend. “Amateur enthusiasts are encouraged to join in the fun. Prizes will be available for best-dressed amateurs so it’s well worth making the extra effort. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to remember the occasion – you can even have your photo taken with Winston Churchill! – and there will be dances where you can show off your look along with your lindy-hopping skills.”
