Jane Francis
ENSA-STYLE
1940s
Entertainer
Lancashire Belle
Archived Events - 2026
Jane's 'Lancashire Belle' season, all strictly 1940s, began very successfully at Forge Mill in Redditch in early May. Below, in backwards chronological order, is an archive record of just some of Jane's public 1940s events undertaken throughout 2026.
Becconsall Living Museum
Date: 26th July 2026
Location: Lancashire's Living Museum & Heritage Park
Address: Thornton Dr, Hesketh Bank, Lancashire PR4 6FH
Jane is delighted to be part of Becconsall Living Museum's first-ever Wartime Nostalgia Day - as we step back to the 1940s for the day. Naturally, Jane will be performing at various times throughout the weekend, evoking memories for an older generation and introducing new and exciting sights and sounds to a much younger one. Step back in time to a time when, despite the hardships of war, glamour was very important, and music and dancing equally so.
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Entry is £7.50 - 1940s re-enactors, dancers and 40s enthusiasts all welcome. For tickets and more details, visit:
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https://becconsall.org/events/
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Wythenshawe Hall
Date: 18th-19th July 2026
Location: Wythenshawe Hall
Address: Wythenshawe Hall, Manchester M23 0AB
A 1940s weekend returns to the historic Wythenshawe Hall,
located in the sprawling Wythenshawe Park, for a second year - and once again you can find Jane performing three sets inside the main hall each day. It's a perfect setting either to sit and listen to her singing - or if you want to dance, the floor here is ideal.
Lots more going on around the Hall across both days, of course. Entry is just £5.​
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Severn Valley Railway
Date: 27th-28th June 2026 & 4th-5th July 2026
Location: Arley Station
Address: Wyre Forest, Bewdley, Worcestershire
Postcode: DY12 3NE
As always at this time of year, Severn Valley Railway steps back in time to the 1940s, with not one but TWO wartime events, held on successive weekends. Jane can once again be found performing at Arley Station, the jewel in the crown of this historic and stunning steam railway. Lots of great entertainment and dancing all day, both weekends!​
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Damhouse, Manchester
Date: Saturday 20th-21st June 2026
Location: Damhouse
Address: Astley Hall Drive, Astley, Tyldesley, Manchester
Postcode: M29 7TX
After a highly successful first-ever 1940s event at Damhouse last year, Jane is back again across the whole of the weekend, performing four sets on each day, three on the lawn and one in the courtyard. The event earned high praise from all who attended in 2025, and is set to be even better this time around, against the backdrop of the historic Astley Hall.​
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Springwell Village (Sat) & Easton Lodge (Sun)
Date: Saturday 13th June 2026
Location: Springwell Village Community Centre
Address: Fell Rd, Springwell Village, Gateshead
Postcode: NE9 7RP
Not quite at opposite ends of the country for Jane this weekend - but far enough! It begins for her at the fabulous 1940s weekend at Springwell Village Community Centre near Gateshead, where she will be performing across the whole day between 10.00am-4.00pm. Early evening will see Jane making the long journey down the A1 to Essex, and a return to:
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Date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Gardens of Easton Lodge
Address: Little Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Dunmow
Postcode: CM6 2BB
These wonderful private gardens, which are open to the public, today mark their historic links with both World Wars, Jane back for a second year and hoping that the rain which failed to dampen spirits last year stays firmly away this time around!
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Brocksbushes Farm 1940s Weekend
Date: Saturday 23rd-Monday 25th May 2026
Location: Brocksbushes Farm
Address: Brocksbushes Farm, Northumberland
Postcode: NE43 7UB
Although now an established 1940s weekend, spanning three days of the late Bank Holiday weekend in May, this will be Jane's first time at Brocksbushes, which lies just off the A69 between Hexham and Newcastle, near Corbridge in the beautiful heart of Northumberland. She will be sharing the enterainment with the brilliant Colin Bourdiec, with dance music from DJ Dave.
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Forge Mill Needle Museum
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Forge Mill
Address: Needle Mill Lane, Redditch
Postcode: B98 8HY
Having first performed at the world famous Needle Museum at Forge Mill in 2024, but unable to fulfil an invitation to do so again last year for the VE80 celebrations, Jane is delighted that she can finally return this year for the Museum's annual 1940s Weekend. Catch her all day on the Sunday of this two-day event, as ever performing some fabulous sets.
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