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The article has been written by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer for the ��ѿ��ý Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk at the Maritime Festival held at Whitehaven on 25 — 26 June 2005. The Festival also incorporated the official county of Cumbria 60th Anniversary ‘Victory Parade’ commemorating the end of World War Two.

A central part of the wartime commemorations on Saturday afternoon 25 June 2005 was a 'Blitz Ball' on the main stage. This was led by a variety of artists re-creating the music, songs and dances of World War Two. The ‘Blitz Ball’ told the whole story of World War Two in words and music from the Declaration of War by Neville Chamberlain in 1939, through to the Street Parties of VE Day and VJ Day in 1945.

With helping to promote the ��ѿ��ý “People’s War” project at the Festival, unfortunately I was only able to watch and listen to a small part of the ‘Blitz Ball’. However, a ‘Big Band’ recreated the wartime dance music of the Victor Silvester and Glenn Miller Orchestras. There were also tributes to Anne Shelton, Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields and Marlene Dietrich. One artist I did see was a singer / musician by the name of Steve Stephens, who entertained and educated a large enthusiastic crowd by celebrating the songs and music of George Formby, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.

For those present who remembered the war years, it was a chance to relive some of their happier memories. For those born after the war, it was an opportunity to learn about some of the entertainers of the war years. All the artists I saw at this re-enactment were first class performers. Thank you to both the organisers and the artists!

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