1940’s weekend will go on
THOUSANDS of nostalgia enthusiasts will get into the swing of things for the annual 1940s weekend.
The East Lancashire Railway is hosting its popular vintage event for the 19th year on the Spring Bank Holiday from May 27-29, and this year the award-winning vintage event promises more entertainment and activities than ever before.
The war weekend attracts more than 7,000 visitors each year - and will also coincide with several events in Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom.
This year’s highlights include 1940s singers and entertainers, and will see the triumphant return of event veterans Paul Harper, Mr Don Gentile, The Lancashire Belle and The Hotsie Totsies.
There will also be performances from newcomers to the festival, homefront hipsters The Washboard Resonators, sophisticated solo act The Vintage Vocalist and funfilled duo The Rum and Cola Girls. There will also be vintage memorabilia stalls, characters from ‘Allo, ‘Allo, dance sessions, evening entertainment, craft workshops, living history displays, a VE Day concert, ration card quiz, hundreds of re-enactors, and unlimited travel on heritage steam engines.
The event will still go ahead despite last week’s terror attack. A spokesman said: “In light of these events, we have reviewed all aspects of our upcom- ing 1940s Weekend and have made a number of changes which will hopefully give reassurance to all visitors who wish to come and enjoy the various entertainment and displays along the line. We have therefore made the decision to remove all battle re-enactments and weapon demonstrations from this year’s programme. Security has also been increased throughout the event weekend.”
The railway will host a minute’s silence at 11am at their Bury Bolton Street Station on Saturday to honour the victims of the tragedy.
ELR chairman Mike Kelly said: “Our 1940s Weekend is one the most popular events in our annual calendar and, on a personal level, is one of my favourites. The event really does have some- thing to offer every age and interest, whether that’s the bangs and bullets of our battle re-enactments or the jumping and jiving of our dance sessions, there’s a real feelgood atmosphere surrounding the event and it’s so lovely to see different generations come together to experience the Forties nostalgia.”
Events will be held at Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bury rail stations.
Visit eastlancsrailway.org.uk for full event listings and to save 10 per cent on your 1940s Weekend tickets.
A special ‘Dig For Victory’ event be held to coincide with the 1940s weekend at Rawtenstall town square’s clog market on Saturday, May 27.
Several other community events in Ramsbot- tom will also boost the fun. St Paul’s Church on Bridge Street will be open from 10am on Saturday, May 27 and Monday, May 29 with refreshments plus stalls selling 1940s-related gifts and cards, fashion jewellery, books, DVDs and CDs. On Saturday, there is a 1940s wedding re-enactment at the church at 3pm and on Monday at 2pm a 1940s brass band concert featuring Whitworth Vale and Healey Brass Band. Admission to the concert by donation, and the other events are free.
The church will be open solely for the usual morning service on Sunday, May 28.
Also on Sunday the annual Ramsbottom Rotary Club duck race takes place at the River Irwell.
Buy a duck online through the Ramsbottom Rotary website. Tickets £2.