Slideshow: Crowds flock to first Batley Vintage Day

The sun shone on Saturday’s event in the town centre, which boasted a stage of live rock ‘n’ roll music, 30 specialist vintage stalls, old school sports and a display of classic military vehicles.

Around 10,000 people are thought to have turned out for the day, which included a Spitfire soaring over Batley’s Market Place and Memorial Gardens in the afternoon.

Batley Business Association chairman Andrew Marsden, who helped organise the event, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. It exceeded all our expectations. It’s been my life for six months.

“Words cannot describe seeing the Spitfire. It came so low over the Market Place.

“People had tears in their eyes – it is hard to explain how a plane flying over Batley can make people feel like that.”

Mr Marsden decided to put on the event after seeing the success of similar celebrations around the region, such as the Brighouse 1940s Weekend.

But he widened the appeal for Saturday to include features from the early 1920s right through to 1959.

The event was supported by Batley, Birstall and Birkenshaw Area Committee, which gave £11,915 towards the running costs.

“People who did not know Batley existed have been there now,” Mr Mardsden said.

“The whole event just had a really happy feel. It was fantastic to see that many people all in the same place enjoying themselves.”

The event was free, but a collection was held in support of Batley Food Bank using the slogan “Bring a tin to get in”.

Did you take pictures at the event? Send your pictures to [email protected] by noon tomorrow (Wednesday) to be included in our reader picture slideshow.