FAMILIES took a journey back to the glamorous 1940s – as thousands of visitors flocked to Ramsbottom over the Bank Holiday.

Visitors put their glad rags on for the annual 1940s Weekend at the East Lancashire Railway on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The award-winning 1940s Weekend steamed into action as it made a triumphant return.

The weekend, which has become an annual event for the railway for the past eighteen years, attracted almost 6,000 visitors.

But there were changes made to the normal programme.

Following the horrific terror attacks at the Manchester Arena, organisers removed the battle re-enactments and weapon demonstrations from this year’s programme.

Highlights included 1940s singers and entertainers, vintage and military vehicles, WW2 tank displays, military exhibitions, vintage memorabilia stalls and 1940s makeovers.

East Lancashire Railway chairman, Mike Kelly, said the event had again proved to be a huge success.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in making this year’s 1940s Weekend a huge success.

“Over the three days we welcomed almost 6,000 visitors and advanced bookings were up by 8 per cent.

“The event had a lovely atmosphere and visitors, volunteers, staff, re-enactors, performers and stall holders alike all came together to celebrate the spirit and unity that the forties is famed for.” Guests also enjoyed dance sessions, evening entertainment, craft workshops, living history displays, a ration card quiz, vintage cream tea services and hundreds of re-enactors.