North Korean performers holding torches and shouting slogans during the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang on Saturday.

The isolated regime marked the anniversary with a massive military parade overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, who said his country was ready to fight any war waged by the United States. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians, including children, took part in the march-past and performances.

With warplanes flying overhead and an aircraft flypast forming the number 70, the parade appeared to be one of the largest military parades that North Korea had ever organised.

The entire parade lasted two hours and was broadcast live on state television.