BARNARD Castle’s 1940s weekend is proving just as popular four years after it was first staged, according to the town council, which organises the event.
Two days of entertainment, activities, displays and demonstrations attracted healthy crowds.
Vintage games in the castle grounds, re-enactment groups and living history societies were among the highlights.
Vintage singers Damaris Jean, Hatty Bee plus George Formby soundalike Colin Bourdiec kept visitors to Scar Top entertained throughout both days.
Other highlights included a part of “evacuees” – eight pupils from Montalbo Primary and 13 from Green Lane dressing up for the part and arriving by vintage bus for a picnic in the castle.
The town’s Brownies and Rainbows also joined in the fun, performing a set of campfire favourites on the Scar Top performance area to round things off on Sunday afternoon.
Three evening events were staged – the Seatones trio at the TCR Hub, on Friday, Damaris Jean and Ragtime Rewind, at The Witham, on Saturday and a concert at St Mary’s Parish Church, on Sunday, featuring Barnard Castle Band and the St Mary’s Community Singers.
Free admission to the castle again proved popular, with an estimated 2,300 taking advantage of the offer on Saturday and another 1,500 on Sunday.
Traders entered into the spirit of the event, with a number producing themed windows for the weekend.
This year, the cup was awarded to Maxwells, with Market Cross Jewellers being highly commended.
Mayor Cllr John Blissett said: “I would say it’s just as popular now as when it started.
“There is always that doubt when you start something but it continues to be a success.
“The park and ride was well used – the classic coach and mini bus worked well. I think the traders had a good weekend and we are grateful to all those who gave up their time to help us.”
Cllr Sandra Moorhouse, part of the Better Barney Together group, added: “From what I have heard, it’s been fantastic.
“There was not a B&B space in town on Saturday.
“The shops I have been in say they have all been really busy. People have been really good this time in traversing through the town.
“I have given out a lot of our booklets so people could enjoy other aspects of the town as well.”
