A TOWN’s first 1940s weekend has been hailed as a major success, with more than 2,200 joining in the fun.

From swing dancing, live music and theatrical performances, to military vehicles and memorabilia, Bishop Auckland was transported back more than 70 years on Saturday.

Visitors travelled from across the region to enjoy the entertainment, which included a military vehicle display and performances by The Fenner Sisters, singer Jenna Highfield and the Sound Waves Community Choir.

The Sandra Welsh School of Dance also performed a number of 1940s inspired dance routines and Bishop Auckland Theatre Society took to the stage to re-enact scenes from their wartime 1942 production of ‘Put The Light Out.

Vintage vocalist Yvonne Slater kept the party going, singing classic wartime songs in The Merry Monk and Fifteas Vintage Tearooms. There was also a 1940s pop-up bar at The Speakeasy in Chester Street, with the Smokehouse Railway Street providing food from the era.

Nigel Bryson, of Bishop Auckland Town Team, which organised the event with support from Bishop Auckland Town Council, said: “We couldn’t be happier. We would like to thank all the performers, the military vehicle owners and the food and market traders. I can’t say for sure if it will be an annual event but we will certainly be discussing it. The feedback has been entirely positive.”