New 1940s weekend to take place in Saltaire in June

The 1940s all-day dance event with bands and dance lessons is taking place on Saturday June 29 at Victoria Hall, Saltaire and in nearby Roberts Park. On Sunday June 30 the event continues in Roberts Park.

The nostalgic trip down memory lane has been spearheaded by local event organiser Marie McCahery.

She says: “Many enthusiasts and local people were disappointed when it was announced that Haworth’s 1940s weekend was cancelled this year.

“I decided to see what could be done and was surprised to find that Victoria Hall had a day without bookings on Saturday June 29. I put together a 40s all-day dance event with bands and dance lessons.”

Marie received so many messages from people wanting to set up displays and take part in the event in other ways that she extended it to include Roberts Park.

"It was lucky that Roberts Park happened to be free that weekend except for performances of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew,” she says.

“We met up and decided that the two events were appealing to similar people and that the park was big enough for both events.”

Roberts Park will host attractions and events as part of the 1940s weekend

Marie, who appeared recently in the Bafta longlisted film A Bunch of Amateurs about Bradford Movie Makers amateur film club, is excited to be at the forefront of the event.

"There's a lot of work in organising a 1940s weekend,” she explains.

“I've got a dance marquee, singers - including the band Swingamathing and the Andrews Sisters’ act the Hummingbirds - military, classic vehicle and 40s re-enactment displays, all kinds of stalls, Haworth Homeguard, a classic caravan camping area and vintage policemen, prams and poodles.

“With visitors also able to watch Shakespeare and a cricket match on both days and also visit Salts Mill and Shipley Glen Railway, it will be a great weekend for everyone.”

“Bradford Council and Roberts Park manager Ian Dobson have been very helpful,” says Marie.

"I really didn't help myself by organising a vintage dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom on March 9 at the same time as organsing the 40s weekend.”

The Blackpool Tower dance was very successful and Marie is planning to organise it as an annual event in the future.

Marie is passionate about swing dancing and wants to encourage people to learn to jive or dance lindy hop or Balboa.

"There are taster lessons in the upstairs rooms of Victoria Hall throughout the Saturday. They will be held by local dance teachers and will only cost £2. I'm hoping it will encourage people to join a class - dancing is good for people in so many ways"

Marie is looking for caterers and stall-holders for the 1940s weekend.

Anyone wanting tickets for the dance events at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, should visit the Vintage Spotlight page on facebook or email marie@vintagespotlight.co.uk.