From The Beatles through to Thunderbirds, mini-skirts to mopeds – it was the decade that defined a generation.

Much of today's popular culture owes a debt of gratitude to the 1960s.

Now North Norfolk District Council has announced it is hosting a revival festival to celebrate the golden years.

'When Britannia Ruled The Airwaves – Celebration of the Sixties' will be held on Cromer Pier and promenade on St George's Day - April 23, 2017.

It will feature a mixture of stalls, displays, exhibitions and music.

Councillor Nigel Pearce, who represents Cromer on the council, said: 'The 1960s is the decade when Britain led the world in music and fashion; it was a decade of mods, rockers and the mini-skirt.

'The Beatles became the global musical force and they still are very relevant and powerful today helping to influence music and social attitudes; they went outside of music and helped to shape today's society in ways we may not still understand.

'The 1960s caught the world's imagination and put Britain at the top, my hope is that this festival does the same for Cromer.'

An idea for a '60s festival in Cromer was first mooted earlier this year following the success of the 1940s weekend in neighbouring Sheringham.

Councillor Maggie Prior, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, at North Norfolk District Council, said: 'Our hope is that this community event will be popular and become a regular highlight in the North Norfolk festival calendar.

'The 1960s showcased all that this country is great at – and what better day to hold it than St George's Day!'

He added: 'All of today's popular culture owes a debt of gratitude to these pioneers from the 60s era and the hope is that the festival captures just a part of that energy and enthusiasm.'

Among the highlights of the festival will be a display of mopeds, scooters and motorbikes on the pier, a music and video tribute to the 1960s in the Theatre, and a collection of photographs and memorabilia dedicated to Thunderbirds producer Gerry Anderson and chart-toppers The Beatles.

Rock The Lobster, a charitable group promoting unseen and unheard musical talent, have also been booked for the festival with its members playing songs from the 60s.

And the public are being invited to join in by sharing their memories of Cromer from the 1960s and dressing up in Sixties style on the day.

Councillor Pearce said: 'If any vintage clothing shops or 60s fashion inspired labels would like to take part by organising a 60s inspired fashion show on the pier we'd love to hear from them. We also hope that the public will take part by dressing up for the day in 60s gear so that the whole area can celebrate the era when 'Britannia ruled the waves'.'

Anyone who would like to share their memories, and photographs, of Cromer in the 1960s can do so through this newspaper - by emailing: nnn.news@archant.co.uk or by contacting Councillor Pearce direct on 07733056067.

There will also be a video diary on the day for people to record their stories.

Rory Holburn, Director of Openwide which manages the Pier for the council said: 'Openwide are delighted to be working with North Norfolk District Council to continue to grow Cromer Pier's events calendar attracting new and diverse visitors to the region and adding yet more appeal for local residents to delight in.

'From a Pier that used to offer only a short summer season Cromer now has an all year round attraction bringing life and vibrancy to the local economy. This new 60s event has the potential to grow into another full weekend in the North Norfolk diary.'