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Heywood 1940s Day is at risk without urgent call for volunteers

Friday, 20 February 2026 11:39

By David Murphy

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

Organisers of Heywood 1940s Day have warned the popular event may not go ahead this year unless more volunteers come forward within the next five days.

The free annual celebration, funded by Rochdale Borough Council through its Heywood Township Committee, is usually held on a Saturday in June. Around 10 additional volunteers are now needed to support the existing team from Heywood Business Group who organise the day.

The event has been running for more than 15 years and regularly attracts thousands of visitors into the town centre. Attractions include live music and entertainment, a street party, food and drink stalls, an armed forces parade, children’s fairground rides and military vehicles.

Last year’s programme featured military and vintage vehicles, a full size replica Hurricane and Spitfire, historical re enactments and themed train trips. Many visitors attend in 1940s dress and celebrations continue into the evening in local pubs and bars, providing a boost for the town’s economy.

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Allison Bamford, chair of Heywood Business Group, said the event had grown significantly over the years. She said,

“Heywood 1940s Day has been a popular fixture on the calendar for over 15 years, bringing thousands of people into the town, but as visitor numbers have increased, so have the demands on our very small team, so with people moving on and a couple of our older members needing to step back from some of their responsibilities, we urgently need people to come forward to ensure the event can continue.

“It’s already been a challenge in recent years, but we’re at the point now where we can’t carry on. We’re putting a call out to the community to ask for support, not just on the day itself, but to help us organise it, too. Unfortunately, there is now a real risk that if we don’t get sufficient help, the event won’t be able to go ahead.”

Volunteer roles range from setting up and dismantling stalls and attractions to stewarding, visitor support, health and safety, event planning, management and marketing.

Councillor Angela Brown, chair of Heywood Township, said funding and administrative support were in place but more help was needed on the ground. She said,

“The township is committed to funding the event and Rochdale Development Agency has kindly offered the organisers significant support through Heywood Town’s Board in terms of event management and administration. However, it’s vital that the event also has sufficient volunteers on the ground to organise and deliver the day, ideally people from the local community.

“We know other organisations are struggling to find volunteers, too, it’s not easy. However, this really is a fantastic event to be part of and it brings such a lot to Heywood, so if you think you could help, please get in touch.”

Anyone aged 18 or over can apply. Experience in customer service, retail or communications would be helpful but is not essential.

Volunteers are asked to email admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk by Wednesday 25 February.

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