Churchill leads Ironbridge charity nostalgia event
A Winston Churchill impersonator joined preparations for a two-day nostalgia weekend in Ironbridge which raises funds for war veterans.
The popular Second World War themed event will take place in the town centre and at Dale End Park on May 25 and 26 in aid of the Pilgrim's Bandit Charity.
Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the gorge and they will be invited to step back in time for role play activities relating to June 1944.
The organisers say this year the re-enactments will feature the German army occupying the camp for four years and Allied efforts to liberate it after the invasion of France on D Day and the ensuing celebrations. There will be staged battles on both days.
Attractions will include living history displays, a trader village, an entertainment marquee with style sing-alongs and dancing, and the Wheatsheaf will be transformed into a 1940s public house.
Guests include the Military Wives’ Choir and a flypast on both days by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Over the weekend actors including Steve McTigue as Prime minister Sir Winston Churchill visited Bridgnorth's Violet's Vintage Tea Rooms to help publicise the show.
Event chairman Dave Adams said: "It was launched in 2014 as a small event in a pub garden and quickly grew to be the largest weekend event of its type in the West Midlands.
"The aim has always been to raise funds for Pilgrims Bandits. It is still run entirely by a volunteer committee and is assisted by youth organisations including the air cadets, sea cadets, army cadets, scouts and guides from the area.
"This year we have received funding from Telford & Wrekin Council’s Community Events Grant."
Ahead of the weekend other events include a spring dance on April 12 at 7pm at Casey’s Cordingley Hall, in Wellington Road, Telford, with guests Ashby “Little” Big Band, playing Glenn Miller music and the Ronnies. Dancers should wear period dress or uniform.
Tickets costing £10 for this night are still available on the event's website www.ironbridgeww2weekend.co.uk or by phoning 07470 831484.
On May 5 there will be a fundraising walk to pubs and cafes in the Ironbridge area starting at midday at the Golden Ball, in Newbridge Road, and will a three-mile trek. Period vehicle drivers and walkers are welcome to bring dogs.
