COLWYN Bay’s Forties Festival has been described as the most successful in the event’s seven-year history.

The annual event attracts visitors from across the UK, who enjoy turning back the clock to the 1940s.

Anna Openshaw, of Colwyn Bay Business Improvement District, who organised the celebrations, said there was an “exceptional turnout”.

“It was lovely to see the town centre so busy and the atmosphere was electric,” she said. “We were very lucky to have the sunny weather which was the icing on a cake.

“Feedback was exceptional and numerous positive comments on social media.

Mayor of Colwyn Bay, Cllr Jeff Pearson said: “The whole event went off with a bang, and from what I saw everyone was having fun and enjoyed themselves.

“I think this was the biggest and best 1940s festival we’ve had. There was a lot of growth on last year.

“It was very positive for businesses in the town thanks to the numbers of people coming into the town.”

The festival began with a concert on Friday night by the Llandudno Swing Band playing hits by Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Artie Shaw at Theatr Colwyn.

The programme proper was formally started by the mayor and the ceremony was followed by a rousing speech from a Winston Churchill re-enactor to create an air of wartime tension.

The mood then became more relaxed with a re-enactment ukelele tribute to George Formby.

A selection of wartime military vehicles and equipment, including a replica Battle of Britain stalwart Hurricane fighter, were on display in the town.

A 1940s-style dance, entitled the Ballroom Blitz was held at the Barn, Parc Eirias.

On Sunday after another Churchillian speech was followed by a further George Formby performance.

The festival was brought to an end with a battle re-enactment at Parc Eirias.