The BBC’s filming of World on Fire at Lytham St Annes has drawn significant attention, as the North Beach has been meticulously transformed to replicate the beaches of Dunkirk. The dramatic recreation of one of World War II’s most pivotal moments showcases the production’s commitment to authenticity. The scene forms part of the series’ exploration of the Dunkirk evacuation, a crucial episode in the early years of the war that saw the rescue of hundreds of thousands of Allied troops trapped on the French coast. World on Fire, created by Peter Bowker, offers a deeply human perspective on World War II. Rather than focusing solely on military campaigns, it brings to life the struggles and resilience of ordinary individuals caught in the chaos of the global conflict. Through its multi-stranded storytelling, the series weaves together narratives from different nations and walks of life, illustrating how the war shaped and devastated families, friendships, and communities.
The cancellation of the series in early 2024, following its second season, marked a disappointing end for many fans and critics who praised its nuanced storytelling and compelling performances. The show had been lauded for its ability to spotlight lesser-known aspects of the war, alongside more familiar episodes. The first series, spanning the period from March 1939 to July 1940, introduces a broad ensemble cast and a variety of settings across Europe. It takes viewers to cities such as Warsaw, where the Defence of the Polish Post Office against German forces becomes a harrowing tale of resistance, and Paris, where life under the shadow of occupation begins to take shape. In Manchester, the effects of war on the home front are vividly depicted, contrasting with the unfolding military events such as the Battle of the River Plate, Britain’s first major naval victory of the war, and the evacuation at Dunkirk, which saved the British Expeditionary Force and inspired the “Dunkirk spirit.”
The second series, set between October 1940 and May 1941, shifts its focus to the intensifying Blitz in Manchester, where families endure nightly bombings, and to the North African campaign. This series brings to life critical military operations such as Operation Compass, the first large-scale British offensive against Axis forces in North Africa, and the Siege of Tobruk, a landmark of resistance in the Western Desert campaign. Alongside these military narratives, the series continues to delve into the lives of individuals in occupied France, portraying the bravery of resistance fighters, and in Nazi Germany, exploring the horrific realities of the Lebensborn programme, designed to propagate Nazi racial ideology. Despite its cancellation, World on Fire remains a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the multifaceted human experience of one of history’s darkest periods. By juxtaposing the grand scale of historical events with intimate personal stories, the series has left a lasting impression on its audience.
This video is just one of many terrific videos you’ll find on the producer’s YouTube channel. The background and featured images were taken in 2024 during the Lytham 1940s Weekend. You can find out more about that event HERE on Blackpool Timeline.
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