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.