1940s Weekend set for return

The 1940s Weekend in Pateley Bridge is to take place again this summer following the huge success of last summer’s inaugural event.
NAPB 1408161AM14 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend. Lynne Deacey with admirers Tony Boyle and Darron Hainsworth.(1408161AM14)NAPB 1408161AM14 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend. Lynne Deacey with admirers Tony Boyle and Darron Hainsworth.(1408161AM14)
NAPB 1408161AM14 Pateley Bridge 1940's Weekend. Lynne Deacey with admirers Tony Boyle and Darron Hainsworth.(1408161AM14)

Organisers are promising that this year’s event - which will run on August 15 and 16 - will offer the same wartime-themed fun and entertainment as last year, but with added attractions.

The traditional flyover by a Second World War aircraft - one of the highlights last year - is to take place again over the High Street and Showground, while other hits from last year are also set to return, including 1940s-inspired singer Kitty LaMare, who had people literally dancing in the street at last summer’s event.

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New for this year will be a demonstration by a Newfoundland dog group, as well as a talk in the Playhouse by Roger Stanford of the Imperial War Museum in London.

Last year’s event attracted thousands of people to Pateley Bridge, including families and residents as well as re-enactors in period costume and visitors from across the country.

Entertainment included a tea dance, swing dance, traditional children’s fairground, war room and a variety of displays and demonstrations.

Doorways were sandbagged, windows taped up, and an air raid patrol post erected.

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Organised by the Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, the weekend event was launched last year with the aim of building on the popularity of a smaller 1940s-themed day held in Pateley Bridge in 2013 by a group of local enthusiasts,

The chamber’s chairman, Keith Tordoff, said: “Last year’s event had a broad appeal, attracting people from outside the area, as well as locals. There was a fantastic atmosphere and we’re hoping it will be even better this year.”