A SEASIDE town has celebrated its 150th anniversary in style.
Clacton has marked the milestone event by a glitzy black-tie dinner dance staged at the Princes Theatre.
As well as enjoying their meal, guests were treated to a variety of entertainment from vintage singing group The Harmonettes and soul band Wully Bully, to magician Danny Lee Grew and ventriloquist Steve Hewlett.
Upon arrival, pianist Simon Smith-Daye welcomed guests, who could also enjoy an exhibition of vintage Princes Theatre posters and memorabilia from through the decades.
Tendring councillor Alex Porter, responsible for leisure and tourism, said: “While some of our Clacton 150 events see you get active, such as by exploring the heritage trail, this dinner dance brought a touch of class and a more glamorous celebration of our town’s birthday.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and, judging from the conversations I had and seeing people getting up and dancing, so did all the other guests too.
“It was a great occasion to raise a glass to Clacton, and I look forward to the celebrations continuing.”
The Clacton 150 celebrations received £250,000 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
The town was formed in the late 1871 when the pier, Royal Hotel and station were built as part of a new Victorian seaside resort.
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