ONCE again the Welshpool 1940s Weekend has come up with a fantastically varied programme of entertainment and dances over the coming weekend (September 27 to 29) as it reaches its fifth year.

“I’m just really looking forward to it,” said organiser Alan Crowe.

“We’re starting the engine of a spitfire this year, as something different. We try to keep some of the same events each year but also build on it to attract different people. Last year we had the flower festival. We don’t repeat it every year, but it brings in different clientele,” he said.

One woman is travelling in all the way from Florida to make the event, and others will venture from Glasgow, London and the Midlands, Alan said.

“It’s a big event. I never envisaged five years ago that it would take over my life so very much.”

One of the stand-out events on the 1940s Weekend programme is a closing performance from the Builth Wells Male Voice Choir, who have recently made three national TV appearances.

Other events lined up include:

  • SALUTE THE 40s VARIETY SHOW: In the Town Hall on Friday, September 27, at 2pm doors open at 1.30pm. Featuring tributes to Vera Lynn, George Formby, the Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra plus others. Admission, seniors and concessions £6.50, adults £8. Tickets from Welshpool Jewellers.
  • CASTLE BELLES CONCERT: The ladies’ choir will be performing a selection of wartime singalong favourites in the Church House on Friday 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets from Alexanders.
  • EVENING OF FISH N CHIPS & KNEES UP MOTHER BROWN: Join singer entertainer Johnny Victory in a night of olde tyme cockney and wartime singalongs plus a traditional fish n chips supper in the Town Hall on Friday September 27. Tickets £12 inc supper; from Jewellers.
  • TEA DANCE: Make your afternoon go with a swing at the Church House on Saturday at 2pm. Admission £3.50 tickets from Jewellers or pay on door.
  • BLITZ BALL: Dancing to the Ashby Little Big Band in the Town Hall from 7.30pm on Saturday. Dance instruction given. Due to rationing bring your own supper. Tickets £12 from Welshpool Jewellers or pay on door.
  • YOUTH BAND CONCERT: Saturday in the Cowshacc featuring North Powys Youth Band.
  • CLOSING CONCERT: Featuring Builth Male Voice Choir in the Methodist Church at 7.30pm, doors open 7pm. Tickets £8 from Jewellers or Church members.

A number of entertainers will be performing in and around the town centre during the weekend including Inglenook Cafe, Town Hall, Monkey Puzzle, and Baytree Tearooms.

For further details of the weekend visit the Facebook Page – Welshpool Forties Weekend or log onto www.welshpool1940sweekend.co.uk