THE West Somerset Railway (WSR) will regress to the Swinging Sixties for a weekend later this summer.

The railway will be recreating the heady days of the 1960s and asking supporters to dust off their flares and mini-skirts and let their hair down for a fun weekend on July 8 and 9.

The 1960s saw a youth-driven cultural revolution and is remembered for the phenomenon of ‘Beatlemania’ – an almost cult-like worship by fans of pop group The Beatles.

It was an experience shared by the WSR when the four members of The Beatles arrived in Minehead and Crowcombe Heathfield in March, 1964, to film steam train scenes for their movie A Hard Day’s Night, which also featured television star Wilfred Brambell, best known for the series Steptoe and Son.

The visit of John, Paul, George, and Ringo caused mayhem in the area with schools being forced to allow starstruck pupils to take the day off to see them.

The 1960s also saw the end of steam locomotives on British railways and the introduction of diesel engines.

To reflect this, the WSR will be running a mixture of steam and diesel services during its themed 1960s weekend and will recreate the Class 33 Hymek-hauled ‘Beatles train’.

There will be live music at different points along the line and a return of the popular platform dance on the Saturday evening.

The final line-up of acts is still being drawn up but will include Helen Pearson and the Pashy Pops, who have already confirmed.

There will be classic vehicles of the period on display as well as a fashion parade highlighting the clothes of the 60s.

Displays commemorating the visit of The Beatles to the line will be organised at several locations.

Details of the timetables and line-up of musical acts will be announced later.

In the autumn, the WSR is also holding a 1940s weekend recalling how the railway was heavily involved in World War Two with military camps in Doniford, Minehead, and near Bishops Lydeard.

Many old pillboxes used in coastal defence can still be seen today.

The weekend of September 9 and 10 will take people back to those days and aims to recreate some of the scenes which would have been common throughout the area at the time.

Visitors will be able to see military vehicles of the period and military camps where displays of uniform and weaponry will be given.

Watchet will again host its popular vintage fair on The Esplanade and the town will be decorated with bunting and have windows blast-taped.

Minehead will host live music.

There will be a platform dance on the Saturday evening featuring the Liberty Sisters and the Hot House Combo, while free jive classes will be on offer at different times throughout the weekend.

‘King George VI’ and his escort may be spotted wandering around and visitors will be entertained by ‘Laurel and Hardy’.

‘Dottie and Biscuit’ will offer comedic instructions on air defence and other topics, while nylons, watches, and other ‘knocked off’ items can be bought ‘under the counter’ from ‘Viv the Spiv’.

Steam engines will take visitors between stations.

Live music will be provided by Blitz Time Sally, Helen Pearson, Johnny Victory, May Blossom, the Pashy Pops, among others.