Heywood 1940s Day returns with vintage fun and a Dakota flypast

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 08:45

By David Murphy

Heywood’s popular 1940s Day is back on Saturday 21 June, with a full day of live music, vintage vehicles and a special flypast from a historic Dakota plane.

The much loved event runs from 10am to 5pm and brings a nostalgic wartime theme to Heywood town centre.

One of the main highlights is the Armed Forces Parade, which sets off from Tower Street at 1pm. Spectators are advised to arrive early to get a good view.

At exactly 2.14pm, look to the skies for a flyover by a Dakota aircraft, a classic Second World War plane that’s sure to impress.

Live entertainment will take place throughout the town. The Queen Anne pub will host both outdoor and indoor shows from 10am. There will be singers and musicians in front of St Luke’s Church from 1pm, and a 1940s style NAAFI inside the church from noon to 5pm.

Tilly’s Tea Room will be joining in too, with music and a mock air raid shelter for visitors to explore. Trinity Methodist Church will host an afternoon dance from 2pm to 4pm, perfect for those who want to try out some wartime dancing.

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Credit: David Murphy

Other attractions include a vintage funfair carousel, charity stalls, and a range of historic vehicles on display, such as tanks, armoured trucks, buses and jeeps. There will also be a 1940s military encampment set up on Hill Street.

Heywood Library will be open from 9.30am to 3pm on the day. Inside, you’ll find displays of books and local history from the 1940s, along with a special 10p book sale for one day only.

To keep everything safe, several roads in the town centre will be closed. Hill Street will shut between 7am and 6pm, with no parking allowed from 6am. Other roads along the parade route, including Tower Street, Market Place and Bridge Street, will be closed between 12.30pm and 3pm. Because of the short length of the parade, there won’t be a diversion route during that time.