THE iconic Spitfire brought back memories of the 1940s as thousands of people celebrated the Queen’s jubilee at East Lancashire Railway’s nostalgic Wartime Weekend.

The annual event, which returned for the 14th time this year, was packed with a mix of old favourites and new additions.

Andy Morris, general manager for the East Lancashire Railway, said: “It has been very well attended, particularly on Saturday and Monday when the weather was better.

“People have come from all over the country and even from parts of Europe, as it is now established as one of the best events in the UK.

“This has been one of the best in terms of what we have had on offer.

“There was something for all the family to enjoy, and some visitors got into the spirit of the event by coming along in period dress.” The event covered the full length of the 12-mile line from Bury to Heywood and Rawtenstall.

It included live battle re-enactments, afternoon tea dances and an authentic period camp.

A highlight of the event was the flypast on Saturday afternoon by the Spitfire from the Second World War.

New additions to the war weekend included Planet Rabbit’s stage hit ‘Blitz Bride’ a one-act show full of nostalgia, laughs and a wartime sing-song.

Bury Transport Museum hosted a range of new activities including a knitting circle, 1940s-style dance lessons, a vintage and retro fair, live music, rug making and, for the youngest visitors, there was the chance to hop onboard a steam train to meet the driver, blow the whistle and wave the flag. The fun carried on into the the evening, with more activities being held at the Grant Arms in Ramsbottom, Bury Town Hall and at the railway’s own pub The Trackside.