DARWEN’S delayed 1940’s Day went with a swing in the sun.

The tenth annual celebration of ‘ the war years’ saw the town’s new Market Square packed with hundreds celebrating the fashions, vehicles and music of the time.

The event was planned for August 10 but was postponed until Saturday after justified warnings of torrential rain and high-winds for the chosen date.

On Saturday the sun shone and temperatures soared as locals and visitors alike enjoyed one of Darwen’s key events.

As ‘40s swing music wafted across the square 72-year-old Radcliffe resident Mark Rowley had again brought his US Marine Corps radio Jeep. He said: “I come every time. It’s one of the highlights of my year.”

There to guard it was Darwen resident David Chippendale, 41, in full US Army Second Infantry uniform. He said: “It’s my first time here. Bits of it are very good. It’s definitely got the 1940s flavour.”

Another first-time visitor was Saddleworth Dawn Fenton, 54, in US Navy Uniform complete with wartime hairdo. She said: “I’ve come with my partner Joe for a bit of jive and swing dancing. We’re having a good time.”

Inside the market Julie Ingham, owner of Tease Your Tastebuds, had set up a 1940s-style cafe complete with dance floor.

She said: “It’s been hard work but good fun. I might do it again.”

Organiser Samantha Taylor said: “The original date would have been a disaster. This has been a lovely day and hundreds of people of all ages have come.”

She added: “It has taken some reorganising in ten days and we lost some of our attractions but it’s gone well. It’s had a bit of a wartime austerity feel to the day.”

Live entertainment came from Rachel Mercer, The Chicago Teddybears, Harri Deane, and A Tribute to The Legends of Swing.

There were also military vehicles, the Falcon Punch and Judy show, facepainting, balloon modelling and children’s crafts.