Dodgems, funhouses and candy floss are among more than 100 rides and attractions that families can enjoy at Great Yarmouth's traditional Easter Fair.

Eastern Daily Press: The annual Great Yarmouth Easter Fair in the market place.Picture: James BassThe annual Great Yarmouth Easter Fair in the market place.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2012)

The extravaganza, which dates back centuries, is expected to draw thousands of people to the Market Place, Fuller's Hill car park and the Brewery Plain car park, between Thursday and next Sunday.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is running the four-day Great Yarmouth Easter Fair in conjunction with the Eastern Counties branch of the Showmen's Guild.

Among the up to 140 rides and attractions booked this year are two sets of dodgems, two sets of Miamis, the 165ft-high spinning Oblivion, two fun houses, and a skelter. There will also be other fairground attractions, including candy floss, toffee apples and doughnuts.

The event will kick-off with 'Reduced Prices Rides Night', on Thursday, from 4pm to 11pm, which is traditionally the day when most families turn up.

Last year, more than 10,000 people attended on opening night.

Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr John Burroughs, will officially open the fair from the dodgems in the Market Place at 6pm, when he will hand over the ceremonial Fair Key to representatives of the Showmen's Guild.

The gold-embossed ceramic key was made by Ernie Childs, of Great Yarmouth Potteries, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Royal Charter granted to Great Yarmouth by King John in 1208.

The fair is open on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, from 11am-11pm; Sunday, April 27 11am-6pm.

Cllr Burroughs said: 'It is a fantastic tradition, which for generations has provided entertainment for both local residents and the thousands of tourists who visit the borough over the Easter period.'

Historically, the fair only ran on the Friday and Saturday, but was extended onto the Thursday and Sunday some years ago in response to demand.