PEOPLE were transported back to the 1940s for a day of explosive festival fun in Hampshire.

The Eastleigh Mardi Gras attracted hundreds of residents to get into the carnival spirit as they basked in glorious sunshine.

With stalls packed full of polka dot dresses, worn leather suitcases, trilby hats and hair rollers the theme for the day had people reminiscing about the trends of the past with its title War is over, time to Party.

Plenty was on offer for people to enjoy with 1940s style cafes set up from campervans and a make-up station to turn ladies into 1940s sirens and have their picture taken in a chic photo booth.

Families came to enjoy the entertainment with children enjoying the air displays and a mixture of funfair games.

Louise Hunter, 28 from Bishopstoke said: “This is a brilliant event, there’s been a lot of hype about it in the town and now it’s here everyone seems really happy.

"There’s a great community spirit and all the kids are running around laughing and playing which is lovely, I love that some people are dressed in costume I’m sure it’s a blast from the past for lots of people and it’s amazing that the sun came out for it, it’s the sort of event that has something for everyone no matter your age.”

Entertainment during the day included performances from Southampton Concert Wind Band, Ukelele Band, Stepping Out Academy of Performing Arts, Big Noise Samba Band, Eastleigh Fusion Choir, Red Barrows and the Air Raid Sirens who filled the air with their duets of wartime hits like Peggy Lee’s Fever.

There was also a large gun display and a wartime flying display by radio controlled aircraft as well as an antiques market.

One of the highlights of the event was the carnival parade which saw floats with people donning fancy dress take over the streets of Eastleigh and residents come out of their houses to watch and cheer.