The make do and mend spirit of the war time era was alive and well for Brighouse’s second 1940s weekend, which was lauded a ‘great success’ despite heavy rain.

Revellers flocked to the centre’s streets in their finest dress, war medals, furs and brylcreemed hair as they turned back the clock in the town. Click above to see pictures from Sunday's event.

The war time rationing of the era was even suspended in honour of the event organised by Brighouse Business Initiative, which was attended by around 80,000 people over the two days.

Double the size of last year, even King George VI and wartime leaders Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill could not resist turning out to enjoy the fun and take part in outdoor sing-a-longs, watch war plane engine demonstrations and enjoy a classic barbers’ wet shave.

Stretching over an area from Bethel Street to Commercial Street, visitors gathered to watch a spitfire flypast, whilst crowds of six deep packed out the streets to watch a parade of royal forces and special re-enactments.

Meanwhile, Vera Lynn and George Formby entertained the troops at packed out performances at the Civic Hall, to rally spirits of those who sheltered from the inclement weather on Saturday.

D-Day veteran and Yorkshireman Stanley Tayler travelled hundreds of miles from his home in Croydon to join the fun, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the landings. He's pictured here with Paul Harper, left, and Steven Lord, right.

Paul Harper, left, D-Day veteran Stanley Tayler and Steven Lord, right
Paul Harper, left, D-Day veteran Stanley Tayler and Steven Lord, right

Organiser, Steven Lord, said that he was thrilled that so many had got into the spirit.

He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it in Brighouse.

“I think that about 20,000 people came on Saturday and 60,000 on Sunday, which surpassed last year’s amount and is fantastic, especially considering the bad weather we had to start with.

“We soldiered on and our determination has paid off with the better weather we had on the second day.

Click below to watch a video giving a taste of the event.

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“People have told us that they have been really pleased with it so we’ll definitely bring it back again next year.”

Luftwaffe Airfield Re-enactment Group member, Melvin Hoppey, travelled from Stafford to share vintage maps and war equipment.

He said: “The weather really encourages the make do and mend attitude that they had in the 1940s and I think the atmosphere here is brilliant.”

Pianist Carolyn Stafford, who entertained the troops at the Old Ship Inn with wartime favourites, said: “It’s the first time that I’ve been here and I’ve absolutely loved it.

“The efforts people have gone to in dressing up and helping to put on a great show are fantastic and it highlights the community spirit.”

Revellers soldier on during first day of Brighouse 1940s weekend despite heavy rain - click here to read more and see pictures

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