AS the air-raid siren sounded, children with their gas masks in hand clutched at their mothers’ legs.
Elegant women with fur stoles and flirty feathered hats smiled as soldiers sauntered past.
And although the sun did not shine, the crowds smiled through at Meltham’s 1940s weekend.
The event brought schools, residents and history enthusiasts together to help raise money for Help for Heroes.
The streets were decorated in bunting and families donned costumes to celebrate VE day in style.
Meltham Memories was created three years ago by a six-strong committee.
Horse and Waggon pub landlady Pam Fox, who is the treasurer, said: “The rain has come but it has still been fantastic and we want to thank everybody for getting involved.The costume and effort has been amazing.”
Vintage sellers filled Meltham Village Hall with different treasures from the Second World War – and women’s hats were believed to be a best seller.
The Church Hall welcomed the dulcet tones of singer Marina Mae and her ribbon microphone while women enjoyed vintage hair styling from Burlesque performer Laura Dawson.
Residents at Greenacres care home came out to watch Saturday’s parade accompanied by nurses in handmade wartime-inspired uniforms.
Resident Norman Albert Goodman had served in the American Eighth Air Force and is a member of the Royal British Legion.
Halfway through a group rendition of Pack Up Your Troubles, he said: “I volunteered in 1940 and I was a very lucky man as I went to America six or seven times.”
He married his bride, Amy, on Christmas Day in 1940.
Ideal Care Homes area manager Trish Starr decorated the Greenacres home to suit the theme and organised a day of activities for residents. They also raised money for Help for Heroes by selling cupcakes.
The Yorkshire Artillery regiment gave an insight into Army life today while Two Valleys Radio transformed their broadcast into a show fit for the wireless.
And at 4pm on Saturday, RAF Coningsby organised a Spitfire fly-past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Musical performances came from Bradford City Pipe Band, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Meltham and Meltham Mills Band.
School performances were given in the Church Hall by Meltham C of E, Helme C of E and Meltham Moor.
