Nostalgia spread through the streets of Haworth as visitors flocked to Bronte country for the village’s popular 1940s weekend.

The mixed weather did little to dampen the atmosphere, organisers said, with skidoo playing, performances by the Bradford Marching Pipe Band and jive dancing on the esplanade in Haworth Central Park setting a cheerful tone.

People browsed round a fair selling vintage fashion and collectibles. Military vehicles and camps were on display in the park. ‘Winston Churchill’ addressed the crowds before a ‘brothel raid’ in Main Street and local lad Mick Hodgson took to the stage to have an army haircut for charity.

There was a poignant two-minute silence and ‘evacuees’ arrived and departed from Haworth station by steam train.

Visitors had fun, despite a cancelled flypast by a Battle of Britain Memorial Spitfire due to the weather, yet the occasion was partly marred for the organisers.

Linda Presley, chairman of the Haworth Village Association, said: “It’s been tremendously successful in terms of having many more people coming in on coaches than we were expecting and the ambiance on the street was fantastic. People have come and had an absolutely incredible day.

“The only downside was people trying to fly-pitch and open up car parks. We had special arrangements for car parking which cost nearly £20,000 and the event will be run at a loss this year because people cashed in on the event.

“It’s going to have a tremendous effect on whether we can run it next year. It may be the last one on this scale in Haworth.”

Meanwhile, there was fun of a different kind at Cullingworth Fields where the 13th Bronte Vintage Gathering took place. The two-day country show and steam rally included lawn mower racing and 400 vintage exhibits from military and agricultural vehicles to cars, motorcycles and engines.

It featured clay pigeon shooting for the first time, interactive machinery from Bunton’s Plant Hire, a fairground, musical entertainment, children’s entertainers, a craft fair and a beer tent.

The event raises money for Manorlands Sue Ryder Care and over the years it has raised more than £230,000 for the charity’s Oxenhope hospice.Cullingworth FieldsFields where the 13th Bronte Vintage Gathering took place. The two-day country show and steam rally included lawn mower racing and 400 vintage exhibits from military and agricultural vehicles to cars, motorcycles and engines.

It featured clay pigeon shooting for the first time, interactive machinery from Bunton’s Plant Hire, a fairground, musical entertainment, children’s entertainers, a craft fair and a beer tent.

The event raises money for Manorlands Sue Ryder Care and over the years it has raised more than £230,000 for the charity’s Oxenhope hospice.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A