EIGHTY years on from the beginning of World War II, visitors to Basingstoke’s Milestones Museum can take a step back in time to discover life on the home front with a new exhibition for all ages, We’ll Meet Again.

At 11:15am on September 3, 1939, the people of Britain crowded around their radios to hear Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s announcement that Britain was at war with Germany. We’ll Meet Again takes visitors on a home front journey through the war years, from evacuation to Dig for Victory and rationing to Victory in Europe.

As well as finding out how life for civilians changed during the war – and discovering the indomitable home front spirit that saw them through it – visitors to Milestones, which is run by Hampshire Cultural Trust, will have a chance to experience what life was like for themselves.

The museum’s Public Air Raid Shelter recreates an air raid during the Blitz, with the wailing of air raid sirens, the sound of planes flying overhead and bombs being dropped, until the final all clear is given.

There are also cookery demonstrations from the Ministry of Food, with fascinating facts on rations – one egg per week per person or two for vegetarians – and food samples to taste, such as an unusual replacement for icing on a Victoria sponge cake - mashed potato.

An interactive trail challenges visitors to spot items throughout the museum and budding pilots can enjoy a virtual reality Spitfire experience.

Over the summer, there are a number of special events to enjoy. On Friday, August 16 – the anniversary of the 1940 bombings in Basingstoke – Milestones is holding a Veterans Day, with free entry for all veterans on presentation of their medals, medal ribbons or Veterans ID Card.

On Bank Holiday Monday, August 26, The Spitfire Sisters will perform their nostalgic Andrews Sisters style harmonies and swinging classics live.

Visitors are invited to come along in 1940s costume, with a free hot drink and cake ration for everyone dressed up.

There will be a packed day of song, dance and fun for all the family on Saturday, August 31, when Milestones will hold its own Victory in Europe celebrations, with performances of wartime favourite songs, a jitterbug dance class, bunting making and more.

We’ll Meet Again runs until Sunday, September 8. Admission to the exhibition is included in the standard admission price, additional charges apply to activities. Visitors can enjoy unlimited visits for a whole year to Milestones with the Pay Once, Visit all Year ticket.