A 'wonderful, community atmosphere' marked the first weekend of this year's Thetford's Great Festival.

Eastern Daily Press: Celebrations at this year's Thetford's Great Festival.Celebrations at this year's Thetford's Great Festival. (Image: Archant)

The celebrations kicked off on Friday with one of the popular night markets in the Market Place and the Horse of the Year Show, a display of wooden horse models decorated by young people.

There was even more to entertain visitors to the town on Saturday, with youngsters battling it out for the honours in the Junior Town Crier Competition and the Kenninghall Morris entertaining the crowds with dancing in King's Square.

Those feeling a bit peckish were able to sample the stunning collection of cakes entered as part of the Thetford's Great Festival Bake Off, while those looking to stretch their legs could learn all about the town's past with a historical character walk on Sunday.

Festival co-ordinator Corinne Fulford praised the 'fabulous, lovely atmosphere' of the event.

She added: 'The public have loved it and we've had really positive feedback.

'People are getting involved and that is the key message – we want people to get involved. It's a great festival and has a wonderful, community atmosphere. It's a village, community-feel in a large town.'

Thetford mayor Sylvia Armes, who was judging cakes in the Bake Off contest, said: 'It raises the profile of the town and brings people in from the hinterlands to see what Thetford has to offer.'

South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss toured several of the festival events on Saturday.

'It is a fantastic event,' she said. 'I think it's going from strength to strength. There are things for everyone and it brings the town together.'

For more information, visit www.thetfordsgreatfestival.org

Upload photos from this year's festival to www.iwitness24.co.uk

Are you organising a special event where you live? Email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk