Wartime Cotswold event cancelled due to Ukraine conflict

The Wartime in the Cotswolds Weekend will not go ahead, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has announced.

In previous years, guests have been encouraged to dress up in 1940s attire to experience what life would have been like at the time as they are taken on a scenic train ride through the region with stops at several towns and villages, including Winchcombe, each offering exhibits and entertainment.

A statement released by the GWSR board says that they feel that, in view of the current circumstances, the event gives off “completely the wrong message”.

Evacuation days held for local schoolchildren have also been suspended as a result.

The board’s statement reads: “We are all aware of the terrible events unfolding in Ukraine. There appears to be no immediate indication that the conflict will end soon.

“Daily news of death and destruction on a wide scale have led us to consider whether it is appropriate to continue to promote and hold our War in the Cotswolds Weekend this year.

“After giving the matter considerable thought the Board are unanimously of the view that we should cancel the event this year.

"The event was intended to be a joyful weekend and that conflicts deeply with what we now see happening. We believe that to continue would send completely the wrong message to our potential visitors and the wider public.

“For the same reason, we have decided that the Schools Evacuation days should be suspended until the middle of the year, or until the situation in Ukraine settles down.”

The statement continues: “We realise that a considerable amount of work has gone into planning and organising these events this year, and that many of you will be disappointed by our decision.

"However, we have an obligation to make what we believe to be the right decision for our railway, and we are satisfied that in this case we have done so.

“The weekend of 23rd / 24th April will revert to a standard purple timetable.”