Arundel 1940s Revival: a free family day out

If you have a soft spot for the 1940s, there is a day trip from Brighton that is worth marking in the calendar. The Arundel 1940s Revival is a family-friendly weekend of nostalgia and celebration hosted by the historic town of Arundel, and the 2026 edition is set for Sunday 6 September, from 10:00 to 17:00, centred around the Town Square at 65 High Street. The best part is that entry is totally free, and everyone is welcome, which makes it an easy one to drop into without much planning.

The day is built around the things that make the era so recognisable. There is a vintage market and artisan stalls to browse, and a line-up of vintage cars and military vehicles that should keep anyone with a passion for old machinery happy. On the music front, the event leans into the danceable side of the decade, with Lindy Hop and jive dancing, 1940s music and swing bands, and a best-dressed period competition for anyone who wants to go the extra mile with their outfit. It is not just for the adults, either: there is a children's street party and al fresco food and beverages to keep families going over the course of the day.

Part of the charm is how much it asks you to join in. Visitors and stallholders alike are encouraged to wear period costume, so turning up in your best 1940s gear is half the fun. Whether you go all out or just wear something that nods to the era, it adds to the atmosphere when half the square is dressed for the Home Front. If you are not the dressing-up type, you can still take it all in as a spectator, and the free entry means there is no pressure either way.

For anyone driving in from Brighton, the practical side is straightforward. Ample parking is available in the town car parks, so you will not be circling the centre for long before you find a spot. The event runs a solid seven hours, from 10:00 to 17:00, which is plenty of time to wander the stalls, catch some swing and maybe a bit of jive, and still make it back to Brighton in the evening.

It is a simple, well-loved fixture on the local calendar, and because it is free, it is an easy one to fold into a family day out. If you have kids who would enjoy a street party or a best-dressed competition, or if you just want to spend a few hours surrounded by vintage cars and swing music, it is a pleasant way to spend a September Sunday. The 1940s Revival has become a regular part of Arundel's year, and the 2026 edition looks to be another full day of it, so it is worth planning ahead if you want to make the most of it.