Ironbridge WW2 Weekend - 24 amazing pictures that'll make you proud to be British

• Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

Thousands gathered at the park for entertainment, parades, speeches and firepower displays at the free event.

Organiser Paul Bull said the event was “really busy” this year, and expects visitor numbers to top 15,000 over the full weekend.

“There has been lots of smiling people and they seem to be happy,” he said. “The kids seem to be loving it, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Visitors and participants travelled from far and wide to take part, including from Cumbria, Somerset, Lancashire and Humberside, as well as many from Shropshire and its neighbouring counties.

“We’ve had some new people but a lot come back year after year, and I think that just shows you how popular it is,” Paul said.

At 11am yesterday, a parade of 1940s military and vintage vehicles including Jeeps and motorbikes took over the town centre.

Then visitors were able to see a demonstration of original weapons, including pistols and machine guns from both sides of WWII.

Speeches from Sir Winston Churchill and Field Marshall Montgomery were played for visitors to help them understand how these figures shaped the war.

A Lancaster flypast also took place, wowing the crowds with its speed and sound in the sky.

This morning at 11am there will be a remembrance parade from Dale End Park to the cenotaph with a two minute silence.

A firepower display will follow while the Churchill and Field Marshall Montgomery speeches will begin at 2:15pm.

At 3:45pm in the entertainment marquee, a number of trophies will be given out including Best Living History Display and the Denis Flack Trophy.

“It’s one of the most popular 1940s events in the country,” Paul said.