UFO enthusiasts were treated to an out of this world experience in Warminster over the August Bank Holiday weekend, as they attended an event to mark the 50th anniversary of The Thing.

Held at the Old Bell Hotel, Warminster 2015 celebrated the phenomenon that gained international coverage after strange noises were heard around the town on Christmas Day in 1964.

Fuelled by Arthur Shuttlewood’s book – The Warminster Mystery – and reports of several sightings, thousands flocked to the town over the following decade.

And the event still attracts attention today as 120 keen skywatchers went along to the event on Saturday.

Kevin Goodman, organiser of the event and author of UFO books Cradle of Contact and History of a Mystery, said: “It went really well, it went off without a hitch and it was a complete sell-out.

“The event was planned over 18 months ago and ticket sales initially were very slow and low but then with about a month to go they took off, I think because of the national coverage.

“I was surprised by the national coverage that it received but I think it gave the event more recognition and also raised the profile of the town.

“It certainly put the events of 50 years ago back in the public eye.”

Well-known and respected speakers from the UFO community attended the event, including a special UK appearance by Peter Paget, author of UFO-UK and The Welsh Triangle.

There was also a raffle and evening skywatch on Cradle Hill, with more than £850 being raised for Help for Heroes.