Heywood 1940s Day 2017

Mayor Ian Duckworth and Mayoress Christine Duckworth with two 1940’s housewives

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The largest 1940s day Heywood has ever seen took place on Saturday.

Hill Street car park was bursting at the seams with military displays from all the nations and vehicles including tank displays from Heywood Tanks, Cotton Town Hot Club were jiving and swinging along, beside a replica Spitfire, Hurricane and the new additional display, The Flying Flea.

Evacuees were waved the off from the East Lancashire Railway Heywood Station as they left for the countryside.

Harry Mills and Lancashire veterans organised the Armed Forces Parade, from The Heywood Pub which marched through the town.

Market Street shops dressed to impress, Littleborough Brass Band played and there was other street entertainment walking about and the Vintage Bus was driving around the town.

Mike Goldrick Blinds & Curtains hosted the Backstep Boogie Club with the Home Guard outside guarding an unexploded bomb with air raid re-enactments in Tilly's Tea Room.

You could take a ride on the vintage fair at Longford Street carpark along with the delights of a Barrell Organ, playing all day.

At Heywood Magic Market there was a replica Messerschmitts 109, kids fun activities, dancing lessons and live music and at the Heywood Civic Centre stalls, miniature railway and vintage children rides.

Back by popular demand at JazBa was singing sensation Patelvis (Indian Elvis) who was supported by local artists Phoebe & Lilly.

The Old Queen Anne had talks, photos and histories of local Whit Walks, live entertainment and local ales on offer with St Luke's church hosting their annual NAAFI cafe 12-5pm and outside, local talent in the much loved 1940s concert including maypole dancers, handbell ringers, singers and poetry readers.

Whilst St James's held their fabulous Tea Dance with Lille de Carlo and finally this year there was the Great Get Together Street Party with Evacuees and Residents.

Mayor Ian Duckworth said: "This is the first time I've attended the event and I was amazed how everyone entered the spirit of the occasion.

“There was bunting everywhere, uniforms and ladies in period dresses, they had good designers then.

“There was a full scale models of a Messerschmidt German fighter and a British Hurricane.

“Sunshine and happy crowds, a grand day out.

“Though I did take issue with the pub landlady who refused my shilling for a pint of beer.”

Peter Rush said: “Once again the parade was excellent, so was the Armed Forces parade, it’s the largest parade we’ve seen in Heywood, with serving military, veterans, air, army and navy cadets.

“I want to thank Stuart Hay at Heywood Township for all his help in organising the road closures etc. for the parade.

“It was great to see all the same visitors returning again, Phil Silvers, Churchill, the 1940’s housewives.

“The business support has been exceptional.

“I was proud to be part of the parade.

“And I am very proud of Heywood."