Stepping back in time for vintage celebration

The town’s Comrades Club venue hosted a retro music event on Friday and around 5,000 visitors took part in 1940s activities at the precinct on Saturday.

Paul and Natasha Harper provided authentic retro entertainment to crowds and a speech were made by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Paul Kane.

The event was organised by Simon Thirkill, Elaine Gomersal, Heckmondwike Alliance and volunteers.

Mr Thurkill, who also runs the Blue Moon Cafe in the town, said: “It was a fantastic weekend for Heckmondwike, a massive thank you to Paul Natasha and Mellissa who took us all back to the 40s.

“It was fantastic to see the town packed with people smiling and taking part in all that was going on.

“It was brilliant to see local people getting involved and taking part.

“The whole day was about people taking part, enjoying themselves, and learning about how people lived during the war and the sacrifices that were made at home and aboard.”

Dozens of vintage and period vehicles were on display at the event, including a 1930s Panther motorcycle and American Jeeps.

There were also craft and vintage stalls and an unexploded bomb made in the 1940s was on display in the market place.

Visitors came dressed in authentic outfits from as far afield as London and Worcester.

Two veterans, who landed in Normandy during the war, brought in their medals and led a presentation to crowds about their experiences.

The event was funded as part of a £500 grant from It’s Up To You.

Mr Thurkill added: “I think this event could grow and grow and be a major part of the community in Heckmondwike both socially and economically.”