Held between 24th & 26th May 2003, this weekend was the best attended in recent history. The proliferation of 40’s personnel made the railway a haven for 40’s enthusiasts. The mass of events required extra camera power from A.V.V. to bring you the following events.

Saturday 24th May - Features the many visiting 40’s groups. Rawtenstall saw the action with an attack by German Forces on a Russian army train. The great spectacle of a fly past by two WWII aircraft is seen at Rawtenstall & Bury. The Village at Irwell Vale had our now regular G.I. camp. Following a goods train being shunted by the L&Y Pug, the evening was danced away at the Jitterbug Jive events in Ramsbottom.

Sunday 25th May - The roar of the Military Convoy leaving Bury Station (for Tottington) is followed by the battle for FALAISE in Normandy. Once again our communist forces take on the German foe in a realistic re-enactment. A return to Bury Station to take part in the Massed Military Parade with the Lancs. Fusiliers and Royal British Legion. A Blitz Ball at The Elizabethan Suite completed a superb 40’s Sunday in the Irwell Valley.

Monday 26th May - Services disrupted by unexploded bombs, and a Military Arms Fair at Castle Armoury start our day. A Convoy to Ramsbottom, and the sounds of the Middleton Brass Band. A exclusive view of some superb dancing to the sounds of G.I. Jive completes our 40’s weekend.

Approximate Running Time - 120 Minutes