Vintage Day needs support

Organiser Andrew Marsden, chairman of the Batley Business Association, wants to build on last year’s celebration – an event which pulled in an estimated 10,000 people.

The BBA has received £5,000 from the Batley and Spen District Committee towards the event,but is seeking further financial backing and help from organisations or businesses in a bid to develop the nostalgic extravaganza.

Mr Marsden said: “The biggest thing it brings is a huge footfall into our town.

“The overwhelming reception last time was how fantastic it was, how much people enjoyed it, and how much they wanted it to happen again.

“We are talking about people who had never visited Batley and we brought those lot into the town. That’s a chance to show our town off.

“My concern is that we want to do an event which is 50 per cent bigger with two-thirds less funding.”

Whereas last year’s event focused on the years 1900-1959, this time it will be broadened out, with the earliest era being the 1920s. But the main focus is going to be the 1940s.

The stages of music, mainly consisting of rock ‘n’ roll, will again be the centrepiece and more than 30 vintage-based stalls will be up in the Market Place.

Retro dress and old military vehicles will both be on display during the day.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday May 30.

Contact the Batley Business Association at [email protected] if you want to help with Vintage Day.