THOUSANDS of people gathered in the sunshine in Accrington yesterday for vintage-style summer street party.

The event 'Oh we do like to be beside the seaside' event attracted people from all over East Lancashire to Warner Street where Mods and Rockers paraded past bustling stalls, fairground attractions and a giant sandpit.

The festival was held just a couple of weeks after the iconic Conservative Club just round the corner suffered a suspected arson attack which led to its complete demolition.

But Rebecca Ashworth, from Barrowford, who was running a stall for her sweets business Strawberry J&M, said the event really lifted people's spirits after the incident.

She said: "It's been absolutely fantastic. I couldn't believe how busy it was, there was just so many people and the weather has been brilliant for it.

"The atmosphere was great and everyone was smiling, which is brilliant after the town had to see what one of its most iconic buildings burn down.

"It has lifted everyone up and our stall has been really popular all day.

"The organisers have worked very hard to get this on."

Many likened the event to the Dickensian night at Christmas, organised by the same duo Evonne Harwood and Kathryn Furey, which was attended by thousands.

Commissioned Accrington rock was on sale, a full brass band were performing outside St James' Church and many vintage cars were also on display.

Barry Floyd, who runs a business named Juice which helps people recover from addiction, came from Burnley and said he thoroughly enjoyed the day.

He said: "It's been a brilliant day and I think the best thing about it is how I have seen the community coming together and having fun.

"I run a business which works to help people recover from things like alcoholism and this is the kind of thing we like to see going on because it helps people who have been through tough times."

Pamela Yates, from the Oswaldtwistle Carnival committee, said: "This made Accrington rock for the day and we are very excited about how many people might turn out for the carnival now that so many have come to talk to us here."