THE 36th annual Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival was opened on Monday morning by Chris Davies the MP for Brecon and Radnorshire.
Accompanying him were Rita Clews dressed as Queen Victoria and Frank Clews dressed as her consort Prince Albert.
The festival opening took place at the bandstand in Llandrindod Wells as the town turned back the clock to a bygone era.
Other people to get into the spirit of the event and take the opportunity to dress up in fancy Victorian clothing were Nicky Walton who dressed as a lady in waiting, Larry Lindsey, the piper, and Godfrey Walton, Chris and Denise Hartley, Robert Elliott and Steve Desilver.
Also in attendance was Janet Swindale, the Llandrindod town crier.
The Victorian Festival is an annual event in which the townsfolk of Llandrindod stiffen up their collars, while letting their hair down for a celebration of the town’s Victoian heritage.
The festival was due to run until bank holiday Monday (August 28).
Events planned for the weekend include a vintage vehicle display in Middleton Street on Saturday and a Mardi Gras that ends at the bandstand.
On Sunday there is a suffragette demonstration proceeding from the entertainment tent through the town, starting at 3pm, and in the evening a torchlit procession, departing Temple Street at 8.30pm leading to the fireworks display at the lakeside.