A Norfolk church is getting set for its 56th flower festival.

Eastern Daily Press: Walpole St Peter Flower Festival. Picture: Paul TibbsWalpole St Peter Flower Festival. Picture: Paul Tibbs (Image: Archant)

Walpole St Peter Church will be a riot of colour for five days from Saturday, June 3 - Wednesday, June 7.

This year there are a number of new events and displays planned, along with floral arrangements on the theme of 'a great day out'.

It is open daily from 9am - 5pm, with the exception of Sunday, June 5 when it opens at 11.15am after the festival Eucharist service led by the Rev John Wickstead.

Churchwarden Michael Anstey said; 'As well as the magnificent display of flowers inside church, outside there are stalls selling cakes, preserves, flowers, produce, books DVDs, jigsaws and games, toys and bric a brac.

Eastern Daily Press: Preparations for last year's Walpole St Peter Flower Festival. Picture: Paul TibbsPreparations for last year's Walpole St Peter Flower Festival. Picture: Paul Tibbs (Image: Archant)

'There is a refreshment tent and set lunches are available in the parish hall. In the churchyard this year, we have a miniature ride on railway, birds of prey display, Teddies parachuting from the church tower, model garden railway and children's garden on a plate competition.' There will also be Punch and Judy shows, the Flukes Ukulele Band and Molly Dancing through the day on Saturday with the King's Lynn Town Band featuring again on Sunday afternoon.

Inside the church there will be a local artist working on paintings and an exhibition of willow weaving. There will also be opportunity to trace your family history.

One of the largest churches in the county, Grade One listed St Peter's is known as the Cathedral of the Fens or the Queen of the Marshlands and is widely regarded as one of England's finest parish churches. Parts date back to the 13th Century.

It is said to be a favourite of Prince Charles, who sometimes takes house guests to see it when he is entertaining at Sandringham. He is patron of its fund raising activities, while earlier members of the Royal Family have also made contributions including George V, who planted an oak tree in 1909 which still stands in the grounds.

The late poet John Betjeman once described it as 'the finest of all'.

The church has hosted the festival, which now draws thousands of visitors to the village each summer, since the early 1960s. Each year a new theme is agreed for its many displays, with many of the flowers used grown locally.

Parking and admission to this year's flower festival are both free.