WET weather could do little to dampen the spirits of people who turned out for Blackwood’s beach party on Saturday.

The town centre turned into a fully fledged seaside resort for a day where people could have their picture taken at a promenade-style photo booth, use a surf simulator and play on an urban beach.

The chairman of the City of Newport Engineers Society Tony Hall said although the busyness of their steam-powered train was “very much weather dependent” during dry spells their display had attracted interest.

The group had its train, which could carry as many as half a dozen adults on the back of it, running back and forth on a specially-built track from outside Barclays bank and further down High Street.

Rebecca Jones, of RJ Dance and Fitness, who ran a stall where people could try their hand at performing with a hula hoop, said: “It’s interesting to see the demographic. You see grandmothers saying: ‘That’s what I used to do’ and they give it a go.”

Pirates Tony and Mark were seen walking up and down the High Street entertaining visitors, along with Peppa Pig, Hello Kitty and Spiderman.

The two actors had come down from Nottinghamshire for the weekend after being invited to take part in the festival by its organisers.

Nicky Lane, who lives in Tredegar and was operating a stand for the Coffee Cup Cafe outside its shop, said the festival had been a success.

She said: “It’s gone well. The weather’s a bit of a downer but it is nice to see something happening in Blackwood.”

Traveline Cymru representatives were on hand to make people aware of the benefits of public transport this summer.

The event coincided with Caerphilly County Borough Council’s town centre management team’s new campaign to encourage residents and visitors to shop on the high street, support local retailers and highlight the importance of customer choice.