THE Dales will again play host to the vintage sights and sounds of the war years when Grassington hosts its third 1940s weekend, starting tomorrow (Friday).

Both the previous events proved hugely popular and the organisers have not tinkered with a winning formula - featured are some classic vintage military vehicles, classic cars of the era, evocative music and dancing, and exciting re-enactments.

As one of the Dales's most famous and iconic villages, Grassington provides the perfect location for a weekend of nostalgic fun, says John Benson, chairman of the weekend organising committee.

He explains: "Grassington lends itself beautifully to an event like this - it looks the part. The town hall has that slightly art deco look which could come straight from the 1940s, for example. The cobbled squares provide plenty of space and the atmosphere, and all the shops are done up to really look the part too."

With all the re-enactors in period costume and quite a few of the thousands of visitors getting into the spirit by dressing up, it's hardly surprising that the weekend has become so popular in just a couple of years.

There is plenty for military vehicle enthusiasts to go at, with the main square being the location for an 18-ton Second World War American tank and a half-track lorry , plus classic cars of the time parked around the village.

And in a nod to traditional entertainment, Threshfield trapeze artiste Carolyn Dean will be performing from the chestnut tree in the village's top square.

Few things are as evocative of the spirit of the 1940s than the music of the time, and the weekend features top-class practitioners in the Swing City Big Band in the town hall, followed by a Lindy Hop, tomorrow (Friday), and the Echo 42 Big Band on Saturday, both supported by DJ Shack Shakin' Jack. And other sounds of the time will undoubtedly feature in tea dances on Saturday and Sunday, again in the town hall, from 2pm to 4pm.

There is also live music in the village pubs, all on the Saturday evening - Micky Ramsbottom and the Alka Seltzer sisters in the Devonshire Hotel, Paul Harper in the Black Horse and Murray & Jill in the Forester's Arms. Singer Jane Francis can also be heard in the Main Square at various times.

One the most popular themes in previous years have been military re-enactments and collection of military and vintage vehicles featured in the town.

This year there are re-enactor camps and displays in the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park, including a collection of military vehicles. Those featured include: Fox Commando Royal Navy and Combined Operations Unit; an American encampment; German 21st Panzer Division; the German 1st Kompanie GD; German Heer Signals Unit; Russian 13th Guards ‘Poltavaskaya’ Rifle Division and the West Riding 28th Battalion Home Guard - 'C' Company. Some of these displays will include pyrotechnics.

And a stirring and rousing welcome to the event will be provided by war-time prime minister 'Winston Churchill', with some well-chosen words at noon on Saturday and at 3pm on Sunday in The Square.

There are also war games to be played in the town hall on Saturday and Sunday, with Colin Foster and his team of war gamers from the Mailed Fist association.

They will present a number of games of army battles in Normandy, along with Navy and RAF activities associated with D-Day in 1944. War gaming has been growing in popularity in the last two decades and features historical re-enactment using models to depict actual battles. This year model-making will also be featured.

Colin Foster will also present talks on 'Operation Epsom', 'Debut at Caumont' and 'The Men in the Shed' on Saturday and Sunday in the Congregational church.

Service veterans and re-enactors will join in a remembrance service and parade on Sunday in the national park car park, assembling at 11.45am, which will be lead by the Earby Brass Band. The service is in The Square at noon, conducted by minister Peter Thomas.

Visitors taking part in these activities will, of course, need some fuel and authentic tastes of the time can be found in the war-time canteen in the town hall throughout the weekend. Home-made corned beef hash and Spam sandwiches, as well as soups and sandwiches, are featured.

Mr Benson summed it up by saying: "There is such a huge variety of attractions that we genuinely feel there is something for everyone."

Further information can be found at www.grassington1940sweekend.co.uk