Organisers of a 1940s weekend in Sheringham have banned Nazi uniforms to avoid a repeat of scenes last year when a group dressed as SS soldiers caused uproar in the town.

Officials behind the festival have updated their rules this year to say that anyone dressed in German military uniforms or those of other Axis nations will be refused entry.

Last year's event made headlines around the country after a group of re-enactors dressed as a Waffen SS unit were confronted by angry locals who said they were goose-stepping along the high street and performing straight-armed salutes.

Event marshals stepped in to ask the men from Eastern Front Living History to leave and police officers intervened to usher them out of the town and back to their campsite.
Eastern Front Living History group pictured outside of The Lobster in SheringhamEastern Front Living History group pictured outside of The Lobster in Sheringham (Image: Submitted)

Organisers have declined to discuss their updated rules but ahead of this year's festival - which takes place on the weekend of September 20-22 - have posted a notice on their website saying: "It is not permitted to wear German military uniforms or those of other Axis nations – visitors dressed in such uniforms will be refused entry."

The 1940s weekend was first organised by the North Norfolk Railway several years ago and has since grown to involve more people in the station towns of Sheringham and Holt.

It is a celebration of the 1940s, with many people dressing in clothing from the era, with classic vehicles on show and historical displays taking place.

READ MORE: Ugly scenes at 1940s weekend as police escort men dressed as Nazis from angry locals

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The Eastern Front Living History Group had attended previous Sheringham weekends without any controversy.

Thousands pack the streets for the Sheringham 1940s weekendThousands pack the streets for the Sheringham 1940s weekend (Image: Alan Palmer)

Members of the group claimed their appearance and actions last year were "misunderstood".

They claim they "do not tolerate any politics or any form of religious persecution", that they were trying to educate people about history and that their presence was appreciated by many in the town.

The group re-enacted the 5th SS Division Wiking (Viking), which was recruited from countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

It was led by German officers and fought the Soviet Red Army on the Eastern Front. The unit has also been accused of war crimes against Jews.

A Lancaster bomber soaring over Sheringham Station at the 1940s weekendA Lancaster bomber soaring over Sheringham Station at the 1940s weekend (Image: Alan Palmer)