THE sounds of the Forties will echo back across the years when entertainers recreate the songs and music of eight decades ago and bring the Dad’s Army days back to life this weekend.

“Music played an enormous part in the war effort to keep morale going,” said one of the organisers of this year’s West Somerset Railway Forties Weekend. “We’re lucky to have some wonderful singers who know how to bring back the atmosphere of those momentous days.”

The music starts today (Friday, September 11) in Watchet with Forties favourite May Blossom performing at a Royal British Legion tea dance and later with Tabitha at the Boat Museum.

In the evening Emmi and Co will be at the West Somerset Hotel.

Continuous music on Watchet Esplanade on Saturday will feature the Fine Whines jazz duo, Tabitha, Lily Lovejoy, West Somerset Brass, Watchet Community Choir, Emmi & Co and Jeep Johnson.

All the singers, plus Mike the Bike, will be performing for the rest of the day at the WSR station, Swain Street, the Royal British Legion or Chives restaurant.

More music on Sunday features Saturday’s singers plus Beau Norton and Shanty Singers either on the Esplanade, at the station, in Swain Street or at the RBL.

The major musical event at Minehead will be Saturday’s station dance with the Deane Big Band and singers May Blossom, Helen Pearson and Johnny Victory.

Crowcombe station will be hosting the John Walker Singers and at Stogumber Blitz Time Sally and Crystal Bliss will sing throughout the weekend.

A spokesperson said: “Dress in your 1940 clothes and catch a few famous memorable figures of the time strolling around the town. Go back to an age when, after a long time of austerity, hope was in sight to enjoy life again.”