The North Norfolk Railway's annual 1940s weekend got off to a spectacular start, with events ranging from music and dancing, to ration book trails, a pigeon race and displays of military vehicles ranging from army trucks, to motorcycles.
Crowds dressed in forces and civilian gear turned out in their thousands, with the streets of both Sheringham and Holt lined with holidaymakers and local folk keen to celebrate the era of rationing, community spirit and 'make do and mend'.
A packed programme of events across the two towns has been organised by Sheringham Carnival committee and Holt 1940s committee, with the North Norfolk Railway laying on music and displays at Sheringham, Weybourne and Holt stations and dozens of pubs, shops and community groups also getting on board.
The star attraction at Holt was Britain's Got Talent finalists the D-Day Darlings, who performed wartime classics to the delight of town centre crowds, judged a 'best dressed' competition and helped with a pigeon race which saw their namesake birds take off from the town war memorial.
Sharon Hayman of Holt department store Baker's and Larners, who is known among colleagues as the 'singing manager' spent the day handing out songsheets in the store courtyard.
'It's been absolutely lovely,' she said. 'The forties weekend is getting better and better every year and everyone has been really up for having a sing-song.
'The D-Day Darlings were wonderful and, all in all, it is just a lovely event that brings everyone together.'
At Sheringham, Churches Together hosted a tea dance, a coffee morning and music and dancing, with acts on the station platform ranging from husband and wife singing duo Chrissie and John Drury, to forties trio American Tan.
Carnival committee member Nick Grice said the turnout in the town was 'amazing'.
'There was just a sea of people coming down the street and the view from the town clock was fantastic,' he added. 'There is a real sense of community and, thanks to the commitment of our local traders, there is a wonderful atmosphere in the town.'
The 1940s weekend continues this evening with a military vehicle parade setting off from Station Road car park, in Sheringham, at 7pm, with music and entertainment at a number of Holt and Sheringham pubs and clubs.
Attractions tomorrow include music, displays, a Naafi tearoom and stalls at the North Norfolk Railway, as well as entertainment at various Holt and Sheringham venues and a military and civilian parade setting off from Sheringham town centre at 4pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here