The Australian Great War Association based in Melbourne made the trek in full costume and Phillip Hunting, 24, tried to make an impression on the Andrews Sisters tribute band, called the Stilettos.

Sitting on the back of a British Mk IV ambulance wagon from the First World War, the singing trio of Janie Lawson, Sally Jackson and Tina Meir wowed the crowds by performing a medley of the Andrews Sisters' classics.

With hip swinging choreography the women performed for an hour, including hit songsDon't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me), Rum and Coca-Cola, and Beat Me, Daddy, Eight to the Bar. The crowd demanded an encore after their first show and the trio performed Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

The Stilettos performed again at 5pm on the Terrace Stage and John McKay, 82, said the trio had brought the original act to life.

''They are just fantastic and they have the moves [down right],'' Mr McKay said.

The Lyons resident saw the real Patty and Maxene Andrews in the US.

''These girls are just as good.'' EWA KRETOWICZ