Town keeps 40s spirit flying!

A STUNNING aircraft display wowed the bumper crowds who flocked to enjoy the Brighouse 1940s weekend.

Organisers estimate that tens of thousands filled the streets, soaking up the vintage atmosphere.

The highlight of Saturday afternoon was a fly over by an RAF Mark Vb Spitfire.

The aircraft was specially flown over from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire by Flight Lieutenant Antony “Parky” Parkinson MBE.

The town centre streets were filled with vintage displays, dancing and singing, hundreds of people in vintage outfits as well as civilian and military vehicles.

New this year was a WW2 tank alongside artillery, anti-aircraft batteries, a full size Spitfire replica and an American half-track.

The town’s many independent shops showed their support by putting on special displays with staff donning 40s-style dress.

The family event also included a street market, free canal boat rides courtesy of the Calder Navigation Society, a fun fair, free vintage bus rides and street entertainment.

It was organised by the volunteers of the Brighouse Business Initiative whose aim is to keep the town centre thriving.

Now in its fifth year this event is responsible for bringing in over £1m to the town.

Sisters Vivienne Hannan, Wendy Latz and Annette Bell are from Bradford and their love of dressing up for the event has seen them acquire dozens of outfits.

Vivienne said: “We love it, we go up and down the country to these festivals and this one is very good.

“It’s a great atmosphere and all kinds of people come up to us and say that they love how authentic we look and ask to take a picture with us.”

The ladies scour vintage shops to get the original World War Two look, complete with hats they have customised themselves.

James Hirst, Gemma Pepper and Steve Carroll – all from Dewsbury and Batley – attended the event last year and love getting into the spirit by dressing up.

Steve purchased his military uniform from a vintage shop in Milnsbridge, while his friend James commented that he decided to dress in a more casual, dapper style this year – as he found his wool uniform too warm.

Shops were decorated with bunting as the crowds packed inside while pop-up stalls outside reported bumper sales.