THOUSANDS of nostalgia fans took a trip back in time at an action-packed wartime weekend in Bury and surrounding towns.

The three-day bank holiday extravaganza event drew visitors from all over the UK decked out in the finest 1940s fashions.

Events were held in and around the East Lancashire Railway’s Bury stop, in Bolton Street, and at stations in Heywood, Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom as well as Irwell Vale.

The weekend highlights were three gripping re-enactment battles between the Allies and the Germans, with a skirmish, an ambush and a full-on staged battle.

At the Bolton Street celebrations on Saturday, guests learned about the uniforms and weapons used in the Second World War before enjoying a performance from Middleton Youth Brass Band.

The following day, there was a performance from The Forces Sweethearts, singing wartime favourites including We’ll Meet Again, as visitors looked at dozens of memorabilia stalls.

On Monday, Paul Harper and Marine Mae took to the microphone to serenade the crowd with more wartime songs. In Ramsbottom, there was a coffee morning at St Paul’s Church on Saturday, followed by an afternoon tea dance at Ramsbottom Civic Hall The centrepiece attraction was a VE Proms Concert on Monday at St Paul’s Church, with Katie Spitfire entertaining.

Among the other events was a display of military vehicles and an allied camp and a military parade at Irwell Vale.

Event organiser Neil Parkington said: “An incredible amount of work went into preparing the three-day event.

“This year’s event saw a couple of new additions to the programme. We are delighted that the event attracted more than 6,000 visitors and re-enactors alike despite the poor weather, and the atmosphere and buzz around the railway has been fantastic.”

Before the event, organisers asked people not to come dressed in Nazi uniform to prevent anyone being offended.

An event spokeswoman added: “The request was largely observed. Two people came on Saturday wearing SS uniform. They were unaware of the request. It was explained to them and they were asked to leave. They were understanding and co-operative.”