Back in time for wartime event
BRIDGEND town centre was transported back in time once again for the free Wartime Bridgend event.
Held on Saturday, June 16, thousands of visitors took part in the event, which had a host of activities for the whole family.
There was a full-size replica of a World War I Bristol Scout biplane and live entertainment from Ricky Hunter, Amanda Beaumont, female acapella group Heavenly and a George Formby tribute act.
For younger members of the family, there was a vintage Punch and Judy show, fairground attrac- tions, mini vintage makeovers, wartime crafts and period games.
Once again “Sir Winston Churchill” and “Field Marshal Montgomery” toured the town giving speeches and speaking to the public.
Vintage vehicles of the time were on display and there were demonstrations from experts showing how life was lived in that era. Bang On Brewery brewed wartime beers and Bridgend allotmenteers showed how the Dig for Victory campaign worked.
Various local military organisations added their expertise and support to the event, while Bridgend Lions ran a wartime bookstall and once again stewarded the event along with Bridgend Town Council staff.
Organisers say the town was full of activity and alongside the wartime event, a CF31 BID Street Market was held in Caroline Street, a craft fair was held in the indoor market, there were children’s activities in the Rhiw Shopping Centre, and St Johns House on Newcastle Hill staged an open day.
A remembrance service was also held at the Bridgend War Memorial, conducted by Reverend Rachel Wheeler.
The wartime event was organised by Bridgend Town Council, with support from the traders, CF31 BID and Bridgend County Borough Council, and sponsorship from Watts and Morgan and Best Western Heronston Hotel.
Organisers thanked all those who participated in and contributed to the event. Event co-ordinator Councillor David Unwin added: “Tremendous thanks go especially to all the hard work put in by Bridgend Town Council staff over many months.”