Brighouse celebrates turning back clock with 1940s weekend

People flocked to Brighouse on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy seeing the vintage outfits, vehicles, and entertainment on display. 

This year's event, organised by the Visit Brighouse and BID team, is said to have been the biggest yet.

The weekend always attracts a good crowd (Image: Brighouse BID)Nearly 100 stalls provided a range of crafts, food, and produce from the modern era, as well as vintage and themed items from the 1940s.

Six live entertainment spaces were also available for crowds to enjoy.

The town’s shops, venues, and businesses also embraced the 1940s theme with window displays, special offers, and themed events.

Some of the vintage outfits worn on the themed-weekend (Image: Brighouse BID)"It has been busy with a real nice atmosphere," Helen Holdsworth, project manager of the Brighouse BID, told the Telegraph & Argus.

"It just seems to get more and more popular. We all work together to put on a good event and welcome people to the town.

"People come from out of town and get to find out about Brighouse when perhaps they have not been before. We have also had coach trips come in from further afield."

She added: "We have seen some wonderful outfits this year.

"It is surprisingly varied how many different people we get. Lots of different age groups. I have also spotted a few dogs in Union Jack outfits."

Crowds building at the event (Image: Brighouse BID)Asked why she thinks the event continues to be a success in Brighouse, Helen said: "The era is making a bit of a comeback. People are passionate about that era.

"It is the biggest we have done in terms of the entertainment we have put on. It keeps getting bigger and bigger year-by-year.

"There's a group of people who love to follow the 1940s weekends around, they have got a real following. It has gained momentum over the years."

The 1940s is an era well-loved by many (Image: Brighouse BID)Home Instead, which provides home care to individuals and families in Brighouse and beyond, backed this year’s event as a sponsor.

Julie Ingham, of Home Instead, said: “We are delighted to support the Brighouse 1940s Weekend in 2024 which has become such a major event in the Brighouse calendar and a time when families come together to pay tribute to that remarkable decade.

“The event aligns perfectly with our values, centred on helping older people to remain independent and happy at home, respecting their memories, and working with families to reduce loneliness and isolation."