Story of the Candy Bomber attracts big crowds at Padiham on Parade

Over 1,000 people heard the fascinating story of The Candy Bomber at last weekend’s Padiham on Parade, as local estate agent Pendle Hill Properties relayed the story of Col. Gail Seymour Halvorsen, an American pilot who gained fame for dropping candy to German children during the Berlin airlift of 1948.

Visitors to the event listened in amazement as they were treated to a history lesson from Pendle Hill Properties’ Hannah about Halvorsen, who dropped over 23 tons of candy to the residents of Berlin.

From their airborne military jeep, the Pendle Hill Properties team, dressed in costume, also handed out over 350 Hershey bars and parachute men to commemorate the Candy Bomber’s 74th anniversary.

Ahead of the 1940s weekend, Pendle Hill Properties visited 19 local Primary schools, handing out leaflets inviting over 4,000 children to the event, with one school so inspired by the visit that they ran a full assembly on the Candy Bomber, as well as the other activities taking place.

One visitor to Padiham on Parade, commented: “Thank you so much Pendle Hill Properties for sharing such an interesting story, and for the lovely chocolate!”

Thomas Turner, sales director at Pendle Hill Properties and who enjoyed dressing up for the event, said: “We had a fantastic weekend at Padiham on Parade and it was wonderful to see so many children interested in the story of the Candy Bomber, asking so many insightful questions.

“They certainly enjoyed receiving their special order original Hershey’s bar too and it was so warming to see the children playing with their little parachute men outside the town hall. What a brilliant event and we can’t wait to be back next year.”

The event, which took place from 24th-26th June inside and outside Padiham Town Hall, included a fantastic display of military vehicles including a replica Hurricane plane, stalls, live music, a Café Rene and plenty of activities and rides for the children.

Further information about Pendle Hill Properties can be seen on their website: www.pendlehillproperties.co.uk