A Greater Manchester heritage railway is turning back the clock this weekend with the return of a popular vintage event.
The 1940’s weekend is one of East Lancashire Railways (ELR) most attended annual attractions.
This year, they’re focusing on the social and musical backdrop of life in Britain during that particular period of time.
ELR Commercial Manager Mark Hill said: “We’re doing really well this weekend. We expect 2,000 to 2,500 visitors across the three days.
“It’s all made possible in many respects by the re-enactors who come along.
“We’ve seen so many people here this weekend who are dressed up in the 1940’s fashion and uniforms and we are playing our part in what is a packed calendar for those that are into that sort of genre.”
Steam and diesel trains are taking passengers along the 12-mile line with views of the Irwell Valley as they travel from Heywood and Bury through to Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall stations.
Crowds can catch a re-enactment of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s speech on the Bury station platform, followed by entertainment from vintage blues band, The Washboard Resonators.
At the nearby Bury Transport Museum, dance enthusiasts are invited to show off their footwork with A Train vintage DJ and swing dance duo and singer Lilli Moore will be performing timeless covers of classics such as Vera Lynn’s ‘The White Cliffs of Dover.’
You can learn more about previous and upcoming ELR events on their website here.
*Images and video – Lisa Valentine
