A FORTIES-style weekend is being launched to promote some Blitz spirit on the streets of Padiham.

Supporters of the new Padiham on Parade are hoping the three-day spectacular will become an annual event and provide a welcome boost for the town following the Christmas floods, and one day become as renowned as Haworth’s famed military weekend.

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Event chairman, borough councillor Ida Carmichael, helped by the likes of re-enactor Christine White, former Padiham mayor Vince Pridden – in charge of entertainment – and a host of volunteers, has drawn up a three-day programme for June 24 to 26.

Festivities will kick off with a ‘decades’ disco, with music from the 40s to the 80s, at Padiham FC on the opening Friday.

And street entertainment on the Saturday will include Maria Manchester, The Barsby Belles, Flat Packs, Gaynor Michaels and Lily de Carlo.

Later St Leonard’s Church will stage a wartime love story drama and a NAAFI will be on hand to keep visitors stocked up with refreshments.

Another highlight that day will be a cadets' drill competition, featuring youngsters representing the army, air, sea, police and college.

Judges at Molly Rigby’s on Mill Street will be on the lookout for the best-dressed re-enactors and the night will see a Ballroom Blitz gathering at Shuttleworth College featuring Sarah Dennis and a live band.

Cllr Carmichael said: “This is by far the largest event we have ever planned. With all the work going on in Burnley town centre we were looking for somewhere else to stage a parade this year.

“And Padiham has had a tough time after the floods so we wanted to bring something like this to the town. Hopefully it will be something we can do year-on-year. If it’s good enough for Haworth, then it’s good enough for Padiham.”

The Sunday will see a wreath-laying in Memorial Park, attended by veterans and cadets, followed by a parade and remembrance service at the town hall. Live music is also scheduled for the park – and a Spitfire fly-past is planned.

Those able to volunteer for the weekend can contact Ida on 01282 423612.