Churchtown steps back in time for 1940s Street Party celebrating 80 years since World War Two

Thousands of people packed into Churchtown Village in Southport at the weekend to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two with a 1940s Street Party that brought history to life in style.

Churchtown, with its thatched cottages, cosy pubs and rows of independent shops, couldn’t have been a better backdrop for the nostalgic event which saw the streets filled with live music, vintage military vehicles, re-enactors, stalls, fairground rides, bunting and plenty of people dressed to impress in 1940s outfits to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

The free event on Saturday 12th July drew big crowds who turned out to soak up the atmosphere and raise money for local causes Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story.

Event organiser Linda Howard said: “It’s a time in history that still means so much to so many,” she said. “The day brought lots of happy people together and created new memories as well as sparking old ones. It was such a hot day too, so I’m really grateful to everyone who came along.

Thye 1940s Street Party in Churchtown in Southport. — Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

“The re-enactors and owners of the military vehicles did an incredible job staying in full uniform all day in that heat — they really helped people imagine what life was like back then. They loved the setting too and said they’d happily come back for another event here.”

From swing dresses and pin curls to wartime uniforms, visitors really embraced the spirit of the day by dressing up, adding an extra touch of authenticity. Live entertainment kept the party going, with performances from The Yooks, Beverley Alexander, the Wellbeing Choir, the Sea Cadets, Wrights Performing Arts and Bayside Lindy all bringing the music and dancing of the 40s back to Churchtown.

Linda added: “It was amazing to see everyone joining in, singing and dancing along — the acts were fantastic and the local businesses really went the extra mile too, dressing up, decorating with bunting and hosting their own themed activities.

“The stallholders got into the theme as well, some even dressing up or adding vintage touches to what they were selling.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make the day happen — from Sefton Council, traffic management and Merseyside Police, to all the performers, businesses and volunteers, and of course everyone who came along and made it such a success.”

Botanic Road was closed off for the day between The Bold Arms and Remedy so people could safely enjoy all the fun and step back in time without the traffic.

Linda hopes this will be the first of many 1940s street parties for Churchtown.

“There are some brilliant 1940s events in other parts of the country and we knew it would work here too. Churchtown is the perfect setting with its thatched cottages and old pubs — it just lends itself to an event like this.

“With it being 80 years since the end of the Second World War, it felt like the right time to do something special. I really hope all the families who came will keep coming back and make Churchtown part of their memories too.”