The Brighouse 1940's Festival is organised by Brighouse Bid.
Every year, the charming town of Brighouse transforms into a living museum, whisking visitors back to the 1940s. The Brighouse 1940's Weekend is a much-anticipated event, and 2024 marked the busiest and most vibrant celebration we've ever witnessed! From the bustling streets filled with vintage cars to the joyous sounds of swing music echoing through the air, this year's event was a true testament to the community spirit and the love for all things vintage.
Photo credits: Alan Girvan, Mick Harris
A Haven for Small Businesses
One of the standout features of the Brighouse 1940's Weekend is its unwavering support for small businesses. Local vendors line the streets, offering a delightful array of goods ranging from handcrafted jewellery and clothing to unique home décor, toys, cosmetics and artisanal foods. Each stall is a treasure trove, showcasing the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the community.
For the small business owners, this event is more than just an opportunity to sell their wares; it's a chance to connect with locals and visitors alike, share their stories, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Brighouse's economy. The success of this year's event has provided a much-needed boost to these businesses, many of which have faced challenges in recent years.
Fancy Dress Fun
One of my favourite aspects of the Brighouse 1940's Weekend is the fancy dress. Participants of all ages embrace the opportunity to don period costumes, adding an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the event. From dapper gentlemen in their tailored suits and fedoras to ladies in elegant dresses and victory rolls, the streets are a delightful sight to behold.
The community's enthusiasm for fancy dress is infectious. It's not uncommon to see entire families dressed to the nines, children included, creating a lively and immersive experience for everyone. The fancy dress element not only enhances the nostalgic atmosphere but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among attendees.
Our family are fancy dress mad, and always get involved. Not everyone does, but we love it and it definitely adds to the fun!
You don't necessarily need anything special or to go to much expense; for men, some braces and a flat cap... for ladies a floral dress and a headscarf will do!
Some of our outfits over the last few years...
Family-Friendly Fun
The Brighouse 1940's Weekend is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. The little ones are in for a treat with a variety of rides and attractions that keep their spirits high throughout the day. From hook-a-duck, a miniature train ride to donkey rides and candy floss, there's no shortage of food and entertainment for the kids.
Something for All the Family
The Brighouse 1940's Weekend truly offers something for everyone in the family. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat rides along the canal, which can be pre-booked to ensure a relaxing and picturesque experience. For car enthusiasts, the streets will be lined with an impressive display of vintage cars, showcasing the elegance and charm of 1940s automotive design. Additionally, the event features lively 1940s dancing, with professional dancers and enthusiastic amateurs alike taking to the dance floors to swing to the rhythms of the era, making it a vibrant and interactive experience for all.
Photo credits: Louise Peever, Janice Marie, Victoria Neatby, Mick Harris
A Gastronomic Delight
Food lovers are in for a culinary adventure at the Brighouse 1940's Weekend. The event features an impressive selection of food stalls, offering everything from traditional British fare to international delights. Whether you're craving a classic fish and chips or looking to try something new, the food vendors at the event have you covered. I'm rather fond of the Pimms bar ;)
The Busiest Year Yet
2024 was such a busy year for the Brighouse 1940's Weekend. The combination of fantastic weather, a wide array of attractions, and the community's undying love for the event resulted in record-breaking attendance. The streets were bustling with activity, laughter, and the unmistakable sense of community that makes Brighouse such a special place.
The Role of Local Businesses
Local businesses play a crucial role in the success of the Brighouse 1940's Weekend.
A New Chapter for Bean and Bemble
Exciting times are ahead for Bean and Bemble as they prepare to open a new shop right here in Brighouse! This new venture will allow us to showcase our colourful and unique products year-round, providing a permanent home for our growing collection. The shop will feature a range of items designed to celebrate the beauty and culture of Yorkshire, adding a local flavour to our already diverse offerings. The shop will be in collaboration with my brother, but I'll keep the major details secret for now!
Bean and Bemble's new shop is a testament to the thriving local business scene in Brighouse and the supportive community that surrounds it. Visitors can look forward to exploring a dedicated space filled with beautiful, handcrafted products.
Looking Forward to Next Year
As we look back on this year's event, it's clear that the Brighouse 1940's Weekend is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of our heritage, our local businesses, and the enduring spirit of our community. We can't wait to see what next year has in store, and we hope to see even more of you joining us for a trip back in time. Until then, keep those vintage outfits ready and your spirits high!
This year's Brighouse 1940's Weekend has set a new standard for what a community event can achieve, and we are already looking forward to making next year's celebration even more memorable. Whether I visit, have a stall, or open the shop, I'm very excited about next year!
Thank you to Brighouse Bid, the organisers, who made 2024 the best year yet! I hope you enjoyed reading about the event and I hope you get to visit soon!
Michelle x
More fabulous photos of the 2024 event can be found here, on the Brighouse Bid website...
https://cdn.shopify.com/videos/c/o/v/a199c156d1f64c018924aebc29e18590.mov
