Brighouse to step back in time to the 1940s

Brighouse will be travelling back in time with its very own 1940s-themed weekend.

The Soviet Field Hospital re-enact.

On 6 and 7 June, the town centre will be transformed for the free event, complete with displays, cars and re-enactors in old-fashioned outfits.

With 40s music in the air, people will don 40s outfits, and visitors will get to see military displays and vehicles, an RAF flyover, a vintage market, and parades.

Vintage buses were also touring the town last year.

This year will also commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the war in Europe.

On Friday night the Civic Hall will be turned into a 1940s dance hall, featuring special guest appearances from Brandyn Shaw and his Rhythm Makers.

Over at the Central Methodist Church, there will be a humorous play about D Day veterans named “Le Grand Return”, performed by Talking Stock Productions which has been recently touring the north of England.

Saturday sees the return of the hugely popular variety show at the Civic, with a matinee performance as well as an extended evening show, and a dance at the Assembly Rooms featuring the Glenn Miller sound of NyteBeat.

On Sunday night, an extra dance has been scheduled for the first time as a grand finale, featuring the Calderdale Big Band.

Alfred Ramsbottom entertains guests at a local eatery.

Steven Lord, one of the organisers, said: “The Brighouse 1940s Weekend is now established as one of the premier 1940s event in the country. The whole town centre will be taken over with 40s memorabilia and re-enactments.

“As you walk around streets you’ll be entertained with singers on four stages, dancing in two areas, see an RAF flyover and displays of everything 1940s both military and civilian. With 40s music in the air, wonderful sights to see and good food and drink available all around, what more could you wish for? It’s all free to enter, making for a great family fun weekend.”

Tickets for the dances, variety shows and the play are available from Harrison Lord, Simply Flowers and Ryecorn Wholefoods in Brighouse or online at www.brighouse1940sweekend.co.uk.

Images were taken by the Yorkshire Standard in last year’s event.