Nazi Uniforms Banned at Norfolk's 1940s Festival After Brawl

The North Norfolk Railway has implemented a ban on Nazi uniforms at its annual Steam Back to the Forties festival in Sheringham, Norfolk. This decision comes in response to a confrontation that occurred during last year's event, approximately one year ago.

The festival, which attracts around 25,000 visitors annually, celebrates the culture and history of the 1940s. It features classic vehicles, historical displays, and attendees dressed in period clothing. The event, scheduled for September 20-22, 2024, aims to provide an immersive experience of this significant era.

Last year's incident involved a group of 10 men who arrived wearing uniforms associated with the Waffen-SS, the armed wing of the Nazi Party's SS organization. These outfits included SS collar markings and badges featuring swastikas and the infamous "death's head" symbol, which was used by the SS-Totenkopfverbände.

The presence of these uniforms led to a confrontation with other attendees, resulting in a physical altercation. Local authorities intervened, and the group was escorted from the premises.

In response to this incident, the festival organizers have updated their rules. The new guidelines explicitly state that "German military uniforms or those of other Axis nations" are not permitted, and individuals wearing such attire will be denied entry.

The group involved in last year's incident, known as the Eastern Front Living History re-enactment group, defended their actions. They claimed to represent the 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking," which recruited volunteers from Nordic countries during World War II. The Wiking Division, like other Waffen-SS units, fought primarily on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Red Army.

"We do battle re-enactments, displays and educational visits across the UK, raising money for charity for wounded soldiers so they can have artificial limbs. We represent the Western European nations that fought against Stalin and communism during World War Two."

The group insisted that they had participated in the event for several years without incident and that their uniforms were historically accurate representations of foreign volunteers who fought alongside Germany from 1941 to 1945.

However, it's important to note that the 5th SS Division Wiking, like many Waffen-SS units, was accused of committing war crimes against Jewish populations during World War II. The use of Nazi symbols and uniforms remains a sensitive issue due to the atrocities committed under the Nazi regime.

The Steam Back to the Forties festival, organized by the North Norfolk Railway, a heritage steam railway in the region, continues to be a popular event. It offers visitors a chance to experience the atmosphere of the 1940s, a decade that saw significant cultural and social changes due to World War II.

As the festival approaches its 2024 edition, organizers hope that the new rules will help maintain a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees while still celebrating the historical significance of the 1940s era.