A ban on Nazi uniforms looks set to be introduced in a Norfolk town following the uproar caused by a troop dressed as SS soldiers at an annual 1940s-themed festival.

Re-enactors from the Eastern Front Living History group were confronted by outraged locals after reportedly performing Nazi salutes and goose-stepping through Sheringham during its 1940s weekend.

Organisers had to step in to ask the men to leave and 15 marshals helped police escort them a mile and half out of the town, for their own safety.

Nazi uniforms were not actually banned from the event, but Sheringham Town Council has now confirmed it is planning to bring in measures to stop such costumes being worn in future years.

One councillor, who asked not to be named, said: "We have called a meeting with the police and others involved in the organisation of the weekend.

"It is hoped that from that meeting we will find a way to exercise whatever legal control we can that prevents people dressed in German SS or other offensive costumes from attending future events in our town."

North Norfolk News: A picture showing the group of men who had marched along Sheringham High Street outside of The Lobster PubA picture showing the group of men who had marched along Sheringham High Street outside of The Lobster Pub (Image: Submitted)He added: “If it was up to me I would have only Allied uniform and do not appreciate any representation from the horror of the Nazi regimes at one of our town's biggest annual events."

Organisers have also said they will be posting rules about dress codes on boards for people to see as they enter the town.

The clashes occurred on Saturday, near to the Lobster pub, on the town's high street.

The group were confronted by angry locals who told them they were not welcome, before marshals and police intervened. Police say they are investigating one allegation of assault.

Mike Keller, one of those was who in the town centre and objected to the group's presence, said he was pleased that a ban on Nazi uniforms was being planned.

“I'm delighted, as I'm sure many people will be, to hear that the organisers and local dignitaries of the Sheringham 1940s event are considering ruling the 'dress code' to allow 'Allied only' in future."

The Eastern Front Living History group claim they have been misunderstood.

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

North Norfolk News: The group are at the centre of a bitter row after appearing in Sheringham in German military

They say they were dressed as members of the Waffen SS, who were recruited from other European nations to fight for the Nazis against the Soviet Union.

Such units contained fighters from countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and were led by German officers. They served on the Eastern Front and have been accused of atrocities.

But a spokesman for the re-enactment group said they "do not tolerate any politics or any form of religious persecution" and that they want to help educate people about history.

However, their appearance in Sheringham has been roundly condemned.

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

Karen Pollock, chief executive of Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “It is shocking and offensive to see in 2023 people dressed as Nazis and members of the SS – the very people responsible for the horrific ill-treatment and murder of six million Jewish men, women and children during the Holocaust."

Guy Walters, a historian and author of nine books on the Second World War, said people who dressed up as Nazis "deserve the utmost ridicule" and said their outfits add no historical value.

Mr Keller added: "It is important for us all to remember history but trying to portray that the SS were somehow 'doing good' fighting communism is an insult to our intelligence.

"We all know that the SS were responsible for the cruel sadistic murder of innocent people throughout Europe and should not be paraded in twisted glorification which can only be described as despicable, insensitive and inappropriate."

The spokesman for Eastern Front Living History said the group would not be returning to the town, even if there was no ban.

READ MORE: You're not welcome, Herr! Under-fire group in Nazi uniforms: 'We've been tarnished'

North Norfolk News: More than 25,000 people were in Sheringham over the 1940s weekendMore than 25,000 people were in Sheringham over the 1940s weekend (Image: Alan Palmer)

"I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with the council and organisers discussing imposing restrictions on costumes to the event because it will not affect our group in no way, shape or form," he said.

"We have no intention whatsoever of having anything to do with the 1940s event in Sheringham in the future. 

"After five years of being welcomed at the event, it is a shame, but after the story was turned on its head, this is our announcement. 

"There are hundreds of hundreds of groups across the country who wear the same outfits at big and proper events, and our attendance was blown out of proportion."

North Norfolk News: It was mostly smiles as attendees to the 1940s event dressed up in period attireIt was mostly smiles as attendees to the 1940s event dressed up in period attire (Image: Alan Palmer)North Norfolk News: It was mostly smiles as attendees to the 1940s event dressed up in period attire at the family eventIt was mostly smiles as attendees to the 1940s event dressed up in period attire at the family event (Image: Alan Palmer)