Yanks for the memories

WE’LL sing again: Jane Francis

WARTIME songbird Jane Francis will entertain visitors at this weekend’s annual Yanks festival.

Oldham-born Jane — better known as Lancashire Belle — performs at many of the country’s top 1940s events, recreating the sounds of stars such as Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields.

Among her travels this summer, Jane has performed at the East Lancs Railway 1940s Weekend and Manchester Airport’s big transport festival. She also performs regularly for the British Legion at its hotel in Southport.

Jane said: “The 1940s lives on, and the music and dances of that era remain iconic. I also sing a lot of the Andrew Sisters numbers, as well as the big band sounds of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. It’s the soundtrack of the era, and it kept people smiling through. It’s great to be part of the big Yanks event, especially being a local girl.”