Salute to the 40's

Jetstream Tours
Available from 20 September 2025 to 20 September 2025

Celebrate Salute to the 40's at Chatham Historic Dockyard with Jetstream Tours

  • Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September 2025
  • Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm
  • Duration: 11 hours
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages!
  • Meeting Point: The end of Southend Pier
  • Tickets include: Boat ride, entry to Southend Pier, exclusive pier train to and from the end of the pier, direct access to Salute to the 40's at Historic Dockyard Chatham
  • Please note: Salute to the 40's takes place at Historic Dockyard Chatham. Jetstream Tours provide the travel to and from the dockyard.

Experience the last-ever Salute to the 40's event at Historic Dockyard Chatham

Step back in time and swing into the spirit of the 1940s at one of the UK’s most beloved vintage festivals. Held at the iconic Chatham Historic Dockyard, Salute to the '40s is a full-throttle celebration of wartime resilience, retro glamour, and good old-fashioned fun.

Plus: 2025 marks the last-ever Salute to the '40s, coinciding with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day - a once-in-a-lifetime tribute!

What's On at Salute to the 40's in Chatham?

  • Swing, jive, and wartime classics from top performers, featuring The D-Day Darlings and the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra!
  • Walk the streets of the set of 'Call the Midwife'!
  • Vintage Market: Retro fashion, memorabilia, and handmade treasures
  • Military & Classic Vehicles: A stunning display of 1940s transport
  • Reenactments & Living History: Meet characters from the past as you explore wartime life and enjoy immersive experiences like the Air Raid Shelter
  • Family Zone: Circus acts, bubble wizard, storytelling, and crafts
  • Food & Drink: Themed stalls offering everything from ration-style treats to hearty British fare

From classic cars and military vehicles to reenactors and an authentic Air Raid Shelter, it’s history you can touch, hear, and dance to.

Salute to the 40's Schedule:

  • 08:00am - Pier open
  • 08:15am - Exclusive Pier train to the end of the Southend Pier
  • 08:45am - Boat departure
  • 10:45am - Arrive at Chatham Historic Dockyard
  • Enjoy your day at Salute to the 40's!
  • 17:00pm - Finalle in the Dockyard
  • 17:30pm - Boarding commences
  • 17:45pm - Boat departs from Dockyard
  • 19:45pm - Arrival back at Southend Pier
  • 20:00pm - Exclusive pier train ashore

This is more than an event - it’s a heartfelt farewell to a cherished tradition, where Salute to the '40s promises a weekend of unforgettable memories.

Book tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS.

You can find full details and book tickets on The Historic Dockyard’s official event page.

Location

Southend Pier

Western Esplanade,
Southend-on-Sea,
SS1 1EE
 
Directions:
Meet at the end of Southend Pier
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

what3words: plans.towers.found

  • Please note: The boat does not leave the shoreside end of the pier. It leaves from the "sea" end of the pier, known as the pier head. You should ensure that you leave plenty of time to reach the end of the pier. Arriving at the pier 30-45 minutes is recommended.
More Info
Are Jetstream Tours boat trips wheelchair accessible?

Due to the nature of the vessel, Jetstream Tours are not currently wheelchair accessible at this time. 

Where do Jetstream Tours depart from?

Jetstream Tours depart from Southend Pier.

  • Please note: The boat does not leave the shoreside end of the pier. It leaves from the "sea" end of the pier, known as the pier head. You should ensure that you leave plenty of time to reach the end of the pier. Arriving at the pier 30-45 minutes is recommended.

Please ensure your arrival at Southend Pier at 08:00 for entrance to Southend Pier. A private pier train will take you to then end of the pier at 08:15am. Late arrivals will result in you missing your train and boat.

What's included in Salute to the 40's tickets?

Included in your Salute to the 40's tickets:

  • Boat ride from Southend Pier to Historic Dockyard Chatham
  • Free entry to Southend Pier
  • Exclusive pier train to and from the end of the pier
  • Direct access into the Salute to the 40's event
  • A 1940's-themed day!

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