Thousands of people came together to travel back in time and enjoy a 1940s themed Street Party in historic Churchtown Village in Southport.
Churchtown, with its thatched cottages, historic pubs and independent shops, was the perfect setting for the event which was packed with visitors, military vehicles, military re-enactors, live music, stalls, fairground rides, bunting, traditional street food, and lots of people dressing up in 1940s fashion.
It took place during the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
It was free to attend, with money raised on the day for local charities Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story.
Event organiser Linda Howard said: “It’s a time in history when so much went on and for so many places across the country to focus on these events shows their popularity.
“The day brought a lot of happy people and memories made and remembered too of bygone times. For such a hot day it was great to see so many attend and I do thank them for that.
“The military vehicles and re-enactors who brought them allowed people to view them and get an inkling of what life would have been like. They did amazing well to stay as long as they did in their uniforms in the heat on the day.
“I’ve already thanked them and they loved the location of the village too and would be happy to revisit on another 1940s event too.
“It was great to see so many people who got into the spirit of the day by wearing 1940 style dress. It was lovely to see all the fashions of the time and again I really thought they brought the event to life.
“The entertainment was amazing with the Yooks, Beverley Alexander, the Wellbeing Choir, the Sea Cadets, Wrights Performing Arts and Bayside Lindy who kept the day going with music, singing and dancing. It was great to see the crowd joining in with them and appreciating their talents.
“The local businesses were great, joining in with the theme, not only with flags and bunting but also dressing up and having 1940s themed activities. They certainly did their village proud.
“The stall holders also embraced the day’s theme, some in goods they were selling and others in dressing for the occasion.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way that I haven’t already mentioned but without whom the event couldn’t of taken place: to Sefton Council, Sefton traffic management, Merseyside Police and most definitely to the public who judging by the social media I’ve seen had a lovely time!”
During the day, Botanic Road was closed to traffic between The Bold Arms and Remedy to enable the crowds to enjoy the event safely.
Local businesses got into the spirit of the event by putting up bunting, or displaying old wartime uniforms or models in their shop windows, and by dressing up in 1940s style.
Linda Howard said: “We are hoping it is going to be the first of many!
“There are some really popular 1940s themed events which take place in other parts of the country, and we thought this was something which would work really well in Southport.
“Churchtown is the perfect setting to host it, with all the beautiful thatched cottages, the unique shops and pubs.
“With this being the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, it seemed like the right time to host a 1940s themed street party.”
“Churchtown is a fabulous place – we would love to see lots of families who came to our 1940s Street Party hopefully deciding to keep coming back.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
