Neighbours will don First World War regalia to celebrate their town’s annual festival on Saturday.

The Epping Festival organisers are encouraging attendees to don the period dress to mark the centenary of the start of ‘The Great War’.

Epping town Centre Partnership Chairman, Chris Smith, said: "This is the day we usually celebrate the talents of thie town but this year we will also be celebrating the lives of those in our town who went to war on our behalf.

"We have much to thanks them for. Without their sacrifice our lives might be very different today."

Although there will be a sober note of remembrance to the celebrations other activities such as a retro First World War beauty makeover, art exhibition and trip up St John’s Church tower will no doubt entertain revellers.

Festival goers can pay £1 to enter a competition for the best costume and all the proceeds will go to The Dream Factory.

The festivities start at 10am with storytelling for children in Epping Bookshop in High Street and run until around 4pm.