Welshpool 1940s festival organiser: Get involved
Traders need to step up and "take advantage" of events happening in a town that bring in thousands of visitors, an events organiser has said.
Alan Crowe, organiser of Welshpool's 1940s festival, says this year's event could bring up to 10,000 visitors to Welshpool throughout the course of the weekend but insists he can't do it alone.
He said: "Each year the event is getting bigger and bigger, which is brilliant but now's the time for other businesses and individuals to get on board, I can only do so much.
"The event attracts thousands of visitors and people from all over. We've even had people from the States come over for the event, so I want local traders to realise that this is a great opportunity for them. They need to take advantage of it."
Mr Crowe is calling on local businesses to support the event by injecting some of the 1940s into their business for the weekend, whether that be by dressing up for the occasion – through what they wear or by decorating their business.
He said: "It really is simple. A cafe could put on a 1940s theme menu for the weekend or they could simply don some 1940s style dress for it or by decorating their premises.
"Those simple touches will transform the town for the weekend, and will make the event feel even bigger.
"People travelling to Welshpool specially for the event, are sure to visit a business that's taking part."
This year's Welshpool 1940s weekend will be taking place from September 29 to October 1.
Last year's event saw a host of attractions throughout the weekend, including a Spitfire on static display in the town, with members of the public allowed to get into the cockpit of the aircraft.
People came dressed in military and 1940s attire, and there were a variety of vintage traders, craft stalls, ex-service charities, and military displays to entertain visitors.
Mr Crowe is also hosting a number of fundraisers ahead of this year's event and is calling on any businesses or individuals to lend a hand, if they can. Anyone interested in helping can telephone Mr Crowe on 07782 166342.
