Step Back in Time with our FREE family day: Wolverhampton in the Second World War

Step Back in Time: Our Freedom Then and Now – Wolverhampton in the Second World War

On Sunday 16 November, Wolverhampton Arts Centre opens its doors for Our Freedom Then and Now: Wolverhampton in the Second World War – a free family celebration day marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

It’s a day packed with creativity, storytelling and hands-on history – a chance to explore Wolverhampton’s wartime past and reflect on what freedom means today.

A City’s Story – Then and Now

As the former Municipal Grammar School, the building itself played its part in the war effort. Students sorted and delivered mail, teachers joined the armed forces, and the dining hall was transformed into a British Restaurant, serving affordable meals without ration coupons.

Now, 80 years on, the hall is filling up once again – this time with art, music, workshops and stories of resilience.

LearnPlay Foundation: Technology Meets Memory

Local digital pioneers LearnPlay Foundation have created the “Freedom” Soundboard Installation – a vibrant, interactive piece blending 3D art, archive images, and voices from both veterans and young people. It’s a living conversation between generations, designed to spark discussion and connection.

And for those after a bit more adrenaline: strap on a headset and take to the skies with LearnPlay’s VR flight experience. It’s your chance to see history from the pilot’s seat – and maybe discover you’ve got the makings of a Spitfire ace.

RAF Museum Midlands: From Cosford to the Community

Our friends from RAF Museum Midlands (formerly RAF Museum Cosford) are bringing a full WW2 exhibition to WAC – complete with uniforms to try on, handling objects, and life-sized cut-outs of RAF personnel.

Young visitors can try aircraft rubbings, get creative with colouring sheets featuring Noor Inayat Khan, and make their own badges and medals (limit: one medal and two badges per person). It’s a fun, interactive way to connect with local and national wartime stories.

Creative Workshops – Get Stuck In

Workshop 1: Dig for Victory
Led by Midlands artist and all-round creative whirlwind Tat Vision, this paper mâché workshop turns the iconic “Dig for Victory” posters into potato and carrot action figures. It’s weird, wonderful and open to all ages.

Workshop 2: Make Do & Mend
Join sustainable makers Reinvntd for a practical sewing workshop inspired by wartime repair culture. Bring along clothes that need mending or repurpose something old into something new – you’ll leave with a few new sewing tricks (and maybe a little pride).

Both workshops run in two sessions:
Morning: 11am–1pm
Afternoon: 1.30–3.30pm

Plus…

• Costumed characters and pop-up performances from Gazebo TIE, bringing Wolverhampton’s wartime stories to life.

• A DJ spinning tunes from the 1930s and 40s.

• A photography booth with costumes for a picture-perfect memento.

• And of course – a proper cup of tea, a scone, and a biscuit or two, served by the WAC team.

Be Part of It

It’s all part of Our Freedom: Then and Now – a nationwide creative programme supported by Arts Council England and the UK Government, marking 80 years since the end of The Second World War. Wolverhampton is proud to be one of 60 arts centres and libraries across Britain taking part.

Come for the stories. Stay for the making. Leave with a fresh perspective (and probably some crumbs). This will be a completely free event but booking is essential.