New Town Centre Vintage Market Joins Melton Mowbray’s 1940s Weekend

Melton Mowbray’s hugely popular 1940s Weekend is set to be bigger than ever in 2025 with the introduction of a brand-new Vintage Market, hosted by Melton Mowbray Town Estate in the town centre on 10th and 11th May.

Taking place in the Market Place, the Vintage Market will run alongside the 1940s Weekend’s packed programme of reenactments, live music, vintage vehicle displays, and immersive attractions, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

For the first time, Market Place will be transformed into a haven for vintage lovers, featuring a range of 1940s memorabilia, vintage and reproduction items, period clothing, music, books, magazines and more, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to browse, buy, and soak up the wartime-era atmosphere. There will also be live music performances to complete the 1940s atmosphere.

Dean Rees, CEO of Melton Mowbray Town Estate, explained why now was the perfect time to launch the new market: “The 1940s Weekend is a well-established and much-loved event that brings thousands of visitors to Melton each year. With 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we wanted to support the organisers: Sharon Brown, the committee, and their many sponsors, by introducing a vintage market that complements the event and enhances the overall experience for visitors and traders alike.”

Sharon Brown, organiser of the 1940s Weekend said: “The addition of a vintage market in the nearby Market Place will help to balance visitor numbers between the town and Play Close Park, while creating new opportunities for traders and increasing town centre footfall to benefit Melton’s retail offering in and around the town centre.”