STEP back in time this weekend as two popular 1940s Weekend events return.
Thousands of people are expected to relive Britain's finest hour at the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) and across Ramsbottom this Bank Holiday weekend.
A host of Second World War and Home Front-themed activities are set to take place along the heritage attraction's 12-mile line.
Each of the stations, Bury's Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall and Heywood; will be transformed into an authentic recreation — from Camp Roanoke to Rossendorf.
Hundreds of dedicated re-enactors will also be on hand, alongside famous faces including Winston Churchill and classic characters from 'Allo 'Allo.
To really bring the history to life in the borough there will be thrilling battle re-enactments, military and classic vehicle displays, and period fashion and memorabilia stalls.
Visitors can also sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire and experience the sight, sound and power of the aircraft, including starting up the engine, at the Bury Transport Museum.
And if that is not enough there will be plenty of music, entertainment and dancing, including The George Formby Appreciation Society, The Backstep Boogie Club and Jez Mansfield Magician & Spiv Extraordinaire.
To coincide with the ELR event, in Ramsbottom, the whole town will be showing the Blitz Spirit as streets and shops are given a war-years makeover.
On Sunday the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Trevor Holt, will be visiting the town to award a prize for the best decorated shop in a competition organised by the Ramsbottom Events Group.
The group have also arranged for military vehicle displays, military police re-enactors, a sentry box and more in the Tesco's carpark in Irwell Street.
Activities will start in Ramsbottom at around 9am.
The ELR 1940s weekend will run on May 25, 26 and 27 from 9am.
Steam train ride tickets will be available at all four of the ELR stations and can also be booked online.
For more details and tickets visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/2019/5/1940s-weekend.aspx,
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