Wow! What a brilliant weekend we had for the 10th anniversary of the hugely popular 1940’s wartime weekend.
The atmosphere was spectacular, with crowds of thousands visiting, both locals and people travelling from all across the country, coming together to enjoy one of the most successful events on the Fylde Coast.
The weekend had a jam-packed itinerary with something for everybody, including a parade of military vehicles through the centre of Lytham, dance lessons, battle re-enactments and weapons demonstrations courtesy of The Northern World War II Association. There was also a fabulous range of the best 1940’s music!
We had some of the best forties inspired entertainers performing live each day in the YourGym entertainment marquee including Colin Bourdiec, Lilli De Carlo, Lancashire Belle, Paula Marie, The Bluebird Belles and the Kalamazoo Dance Band. Along with the incredible performers, the entertainment marquee saw the Reinvintaged Fashion Show, with models strutting their stuff in some of the most unique forties attire.
There were various stalls all along Lytham Green from different charities including the Mayor of Fylde’s chosen charities, along with games for all to enjoy, vintage fashion and food and drink. And of course the wonderful display of military and classic vehicles, not forgetting the spitfires from the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Display.
The forties fun extended from Lytham Green to Clifton Square, bringing the town to life with singing and dancing galore. The town centre was bustling, and local businesses fully embraced the occasion by taking part in the best dressed shop and café competition. Winston Churchill, also known as Derek Herbert, was extremely impressed with the efforts the businesses had put in and had the tough decision of judging the competition.
The prize for the Best Dressed Shop went to Exquisite with North West Air Ambulance as runners up. The Best Dressed café prize went to the Black Sheep Tea Room with the runner up being The Coffee Bean.
Cllr Cheryl Little, Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee, said “What a fantastic weekend! Thousands of visitors were treated to an amazing event over the weekend and there was something for everyone – military vehicles, dancing, battle re-enactment, music, children’s games and stalls. The whole event surpassed anything I’ve seen and it meant so much this year as this event is in its tenth year and welcomes return visitors again and again. A huge thank you must go to Fylde Council, staff and volunteers who represent and showcase this event. I am extremely proud and cannot express how much I loved being part of it”
The Wartime Weekend will be back again next year on the 15th & 16th August for another explosive weekend. Don’t miss it!
