Melton Mowbray 1940s Rally: A Weekend to Remember
There’s something genuinely special about a themed rally that pulls you completely out of the everyday. Not just a weekend away, but a full step back in time, with swing music drifting through the streets, vintage vehicles gleaming in the spring sunshine, and a whole town dressed up and playing its part. That’s exactly what’s waiting for you at our Melton Mowbray Motorhome & Campervan Event this May.
From 8th to 11th May 2026, we’re heading to Sysonby Acres in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, for one of the most atmospheric rallies we’ve ever hosted. Whether you’re a seasoned rally-goer or thinking about your first Van Club event, this one is genuinely worth marking in the calendar.
What Makes This Rally Different
Not every rally gives you a full festival on your doorstep. The Melton Mowbray 1940s Weekend is one of the UK’s best-loved heritage events, and our rally puts you right in the heart of it, with a peaceful, well-equipped base just minutes from all the action.
On Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, the town centre and Playclose Park come alive with everything from living history displays and period fashion to vintage stalls, street food, and re-enactments. The wartime spirit is alive and well here, and the atmosphere is genuinely infectious. Running from 10am to 5pm each day, there’s plenty of time to soak it all in at your own pace.
The Sunday morning parade through Melton town centre is not one to sleep through. It’s a highlight of the whole weekend, and seeing the streets lined with 1940s costumes, classic vehicles, and enthusiastic crowds is one of those moments that sticks with you.
Brand New for 2026: 50s & 60s at the Stockyard
This year brings something extra exciting. Alongside the established 1940s celebrations, 2026 sees a brand-new 1950s and 1960s expansion at Stockyard Melton Mowbray. Think hot rods, American cars, and retro fashion, plus live performances from Charlotte Porter & The High Rollers on Saturday daytime, DJ Woody spinning the classics, and screenings of Grease. It’s a proper double-era celebration that genuinely has something for every age group, from the kids to the grandparents.
If you’ve ever wanted to don a victory roll or dig out a poodle skirt, this is your moment.
Your Base at Sysonby Acres
While the festival is the backdrop, the rally field at Sysonby Acres is where the real community magic happens. We have 24 electric pitches and 24 non-electric pitches available, so there’s flexibility depending on your setup. On-site facilities include water, an Elsan point, toilets, showers, and a peaceful rally field to call home for the long weekend.
We’ve also secured exclusive use of the Pavilion Room for evening entertainment throughout the weekend. After a full day exploring the festival, there’s nothing better than winding down with fellow members over a bit of music bingo, 1940s-themed music evenings, and good conversation. These social nights are genuinely one of the best parts of any Van Club rally, and this one promises to be no different.
Melton Mowbray Beyond the Festival
Even outside the festival days, Melton Mowbray is a cracking town to spend time in. It’s a friendly, walkable historic market town with independent shops, traditional pubs, and cafés that actually feel like proper local spots rather than chains. And of course, you can’t leave without trying the famous pork pies. Melton Mowbray is their home, after all, and the real thing is in a completely different league.
The local markets and relaxed pace of the town make it easy to fill the quieter hours between festival activities without ever feeling like you’re searching for something to do.
Who This Rally Is Perfect For
This event suits a wide range of Van Club members. Families will love the accessible, family-friendly atmosphere of the 1940s festival, with activities spread across the town and the new 50s/60s expansion adding real entertainment variety. Couples looking for a themed long weekend with great evening entertainment and a comfortable base will find exactly that. And for anyone who simply loves the combination of history, live music, classic vehicles, and good company, this rally has it in abundance.
Dressing up is very much encouraged. Whether you go full wartime chic or just throw on a flat cap, getting into the spirit of the theme adds a whole other layer of fun to the experience.
Pitches Start From £50
The rally runs from 12th May through 11th May, with pitches available to book now from £50. With everything that’s included across the long weekend, from on-site facilities to exclusive evening entertainment and full access to one of the Midlands’ most beloved heritage festivals, it represents genuinely brilliant value.
As a non-profit, every penny we collect goes straight back into making our events better. That’s always been how we operate, and it’s why we’re so focused on getting the details right at every rally we host.
Secure Your Spot Before It Sells Out
Spaces are limited across both pitch types, and events like this one tend to fill up faster than you’d expect. If the combination of a 1940s festival, classic car displays, live swing music, and a warm community atmosphere sounds like your kind of long weekend, now is the right time to book.
Head over to the Melton Mowbray Motorhome & Campervan Event page to check pitch availability and get your name down. We’d love to see you there in May.