St Margaret's Church brought the spirit of the 1940s back to life last week as around 300 people gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day, marking the end of World War II.
The community celebration, which took place on August 9th, transported visitors back eight decades with authentic period entertainment, vintage vehicles and wartime memorabilia.
The highlight of the musical programme was the 17-piece swing band The Hootin Annies, who literally got the crowd "In the Mood" with their authentic 1940s sound. They were joined by contemporary performers Kris Kiss & the Frog and soloist Liv Phillips.
The nostalgic atmosphere was enhanced by an impressive display of military vehicles, including period jeeps, ambulances and equipment, alongside a beautiful Austin car from the era and a 1940s hot rod replica - a nod to the vehicles first built by American GIs during the war.
Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jane Brophy, officially opened the event and even tried her hand at ringing the church's famous bells, the same bells that rang out across Britain to celebrate victory 80 years ago.
A particularly moving moment came with the arrival of 102-year-old World War II veteran Bob Booth from Baguley, who served on the perilous North Atlantic Convoy routes that kept vital shipping lanes open during the war.
Mr Booth received hearty applause when Reverend Dave Murray, himself a former Royal Navy Commander, told the crowd that "our country owes you and your generation an eternal debt of gratitude".
Adding to the theme of the day, an actor portraying Winston Churchill delivered the wartime Prime Minister's original VJ Day speech to the assembled crowd, while many attendees embraced the spirit of the occasion by wearing period costume.
"It was a lovely community day," said Rev Murray. "Judging by the feedback from those who joined us, it was greatly enjoyed, with many requests to reprise something similar next year. Thank you to all those who came and spent time with us."
There was a more reflective tone the following day at a specially prepared service of commemoration which was widely attended by local people who came to pay their respects to the very many people who were killed or injured throughout the war.
