CROWDS in Southend city centre enjoyed a trip back in time when army vehicles and 1940s singers and dancers pitched up on the High Street.

The event was held on Saturday as part of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during WW2.

Members of the public were treated to close-up views of WW2 uniforms, equipment, artillery, and men and women wearing traditional wartime dress.

Cadets, veteran associations and 1940s themed singers and dancers also took part in Saturday’s event.

On Thursday, a beacon was lit at Southend's 103-year-old cenotaph by veterans, residents, and councillors to mark the exact anniversary of D-Day, which was crucial to the Allied victory.

Pictures kindly provided by Gaz De Vere.

Authentic – a participant looks the partAuthentic – a participant looks the part (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Captivated – a cub stands at the poppy appeal stallCaptivated – a cub stands at the poppy appeal stall (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Dad's army – a volunteer dresses in Home Guard uniformDad's army – a volunteer dresses in Home Guard uniform (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Keen – the air cadets enjoyed playing their part on Saturday afternoonKeen – the air cadets enjoyed playing their part on Saturday afternoon (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Realistic – the participants would not have looked out of place in 1940s BritainRealistic – the participants would not have looked out of place in 1940s Britain (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Ride – a youngster looks down from the top deck of a 1940s busRide – a youngster looks down from the top deck of a 1940s bus (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Safety first – a dummy wears a gas maskSafety first – a dummy wears a gas mask (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Smart – army cadets pose for a photographSmart – army cadets pose for a photograph (Image: Gaz De Vere) •

Technology – two women dressed in 1940s dress look at a futuristic smartphoneTechnology – two women dressed in 1940s dress look at a futuristic smartphone (Image: Gaz De Vere)