THE style of 1940s Britain will be revived in Droitwich this weekend during two days of fun and nostalgia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

Forties fashion, tea dances, Glenn Miller music, the songs of Vera Lynn and military vehicles will help recreate the atmosphere of the time.

"We are asking everyone to dress up in 1940s clothes and there will be bands and choirs throughout Saturday," said Droitwich Mayor Anne Taft.

"We are looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to Droitwich to celebrate this special day and show we haven't forgotten."

Leading up to the weekend's events, Norbury Theatre is hosting C P Taylor's play And A Nightingale Sang.

Set in the north of England during the war, the play is punctuated by songs, following the fortunes of the Stott family up to VE Day.

The town centre festival, funded by a £14,500 Home Front Lottery grant, will open on Saturday morning with a speech by a Sir Winston Churchill look-alike in front of St Richard's House.

Events will include a Home Guard parade, a Battle of Britain Spitfire flypast, a DC3 flyover, Monty's address to the troops, a Land Army display and even a wartime wedding, re-enacted outside St Andrew's Church.

Punch and Judy shows will be staged in Victoria Square, a barrel organ will play in High Street and there will be singing from an Andrews Sisters tribute band.

In the evening, Midland Allstar Bands will play wartime favourites in a marquee from 7pm onwards.

Sunday's events will include music, mime, jig and jive acts in the marquee, another wartime wedding and a second DC3 flyover.

Second World War veterans will answer questions at St Richard's House and there will be a Royal British Legion service of remembrance and thanksgiving at the Victoria Square war memorial, starting at 4pm.

n There will be celebrations across the county to mark the end of the war in Europe at the weekend, including a parade through Pershore on Sunday, and a wreath-laying ceremony taking place at Worcester Cathedral.

n The Worcester News is publishing a special magazine commemorating the 60th anniversary of VE Day with stories from those who joined the throngs in town and city centres, or who celebrated at street parties at home.

If you would like to contribute, contact features writers Mike Pryce on 01905 224447 or Emma Cullwick on 01905 742254.