Here’s to next year - Weekend a great success

Organised by the Brighouse Business Initiative, the clocks were turned back 70 years to a bygone days of the home front, make do and mend, dance music and variety shows.

Thousands of visitors came to the town as businesses decked out their shops and staff dressed in attire from the era.

Steven Lord, from the BBI, described the whole weekend as “absolutely phenomenal” and the event is already pencilled in for 2015.

“It started off fine on Saturday morning but was pouring down later. However everyone showed true British determination to carry on coming to the town.

“All the shops were really busy and it will be a great boost to the economy.

“Customers are still talking about the event – they can’t get enough. I have even spoken to a couple who have asked when it is happening next year and booked their hotel.

“The performers have commented on how they did not think last year could be topped but it has been and have been amazed with the response.”

Evening entertainment in the form of cinema, dances and variety shows kicked off the event on Thursday.

Across the weekend two stages saw a constant programme of professional singers and musicians while displays, dancing, a huge food and vintage market, vintage vehicles and even canal boat trips provided entertainment for the whole family throughout the town.

Bethel Street car park was turned into a military history display area with full size replica aircraft, tanks, artillery and a whole host of military vehicles.

The retiring Mayor of Calderdale Ann Martin took part in a remembrance service with D-Day veteran Stan Taylor, who visited the weekend.

Despite the weather, Saturday was rounded off with a flyby of a Spitfire instead of the planned Hurricane.

“They sent one of their finest Spitfires.

“It was a magnificent sight,” he said.