Thousands attend Heywood 1940s Day as parade and street party return

Saturday, 28 June 2025 11:25

By David Murphy

Thousands packed into Heywood for the town's annual 1940s Day on Saturday 21 June, transforming the area into a tribute to wartime Britain.

Vintage vehicles, military displays, classic music and a street party atmosphere drew crowds from across the North West as the popular event returned in full swing.

Organised by the Heywood Business Group and funded by Heywood Township, the day featured everything from full size replica Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft to live performances and an Armed Forces Day parade.

The Hill Street car park was turned into a military encampment by 10am, with vehicles, classic cars and wartime memorabilia on display. DJ Dapper Dan set the mood spinning vinyl tracks, while the East Lancashire Railway staged evacuee send-offs and returns, ending in a lively Mission Street street party for children.

A highlight of the day was the town’s Official Armed Forces Day Parade, which stepped off from The Heywood Reform Club at 1pm, led by veterans, cadets, standard bearers, and a pipes and drums band.

Stalls and vintage rides took over the Civic Centre car park, and across the road, St Luke’s Church hosted its traditional NAAFI and 1940s Concert. The musical line-up included local acts Heykids, Sign Along With Us, and VOICE, with deckchairs dotting the church lawn.

Historic re-enactments took place at Mike Goldrick Blinds and Tilly’s Tea Room, where hourly air raid experiences complete with home guard displays added to the immersive theme. Nearby, Kavanagh and Coates hosted their own mini celebration with live music and horse-drawn gun carriage displays.

Rochdale Council was thanked for its clean-up efforts and funding, while this year's event also saw support from the £20m HeyRoc fund, which may lead to more such events in future.

Angela Brown, councillor for West Heywood, said: “The vibe is always just lovely, seeing people you haven't seen for a while, meeting new people, laughs and joy. Top.”

Chair of Heywood Business Group, Allison Bamford, added: “We’re a small team and this takes months of planning. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us. See you next year, when we’ll do it all again.”

Heywood's pubs joined in the fun, with live music from afternoon until late at venues including The Olde Queen Anne, The Dressers Arms and The Kings, while Imli Restaurant served food and drink from midday.