Sheringham will be celebrating a century-and-a-half of seafaring history on Sunday, with an event marking the launch of the town's first ever RNLI lifeboat in 1867.

Eastern Daily Press: The crew of the JC Madge, which was first launched in 1904 and saved 58 lives. Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM.The crew of the JC Madge, which was first launched in 1904 and saved 58 lives. Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM. (Image: Archant)

The celebration will kick off at 1pm with a parade from Station Road car park to Lifeboat Plain, where a plaque commemorating Sheringham's 150 years of RNLI support will be unveiled by Keith and Alison Adamson, whose involvement with the town's lifeboats through the charitable organisation the Oddfellows stretches back 30 years.

Sheringham lifeboat operations manager Brian Farrow, who has organised the celebration with the help of RNLI volunteers and other local groups, said the event aimed to promote community involvement.

Eastern Daily Press: The Forester's Centenenary, which was in service from 1936 until 1961 and was responsible for rescuing more airmen from the sea the Second World War than any other RNLI lifeboat. Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM.The Forester's Centenenary, which was in service from 1936 until 1961 and was responsible for rescuing more airmen from the sea the Second World War than any other RNLI lifeboat. Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM. (Image: Archant)

He added: 'One hundred and fifty years is very significant and because fishing and lifeboats are so strongly tied to the town, we felt it was something to be celebrated.'

A programme of events running throughout the afternoon will include lifeboat-themed storytelling, a 'Shout' competition challenging adults and children to get kitted out in lifeboat gear as quickly as a crew member, a singalong with local group the Sheringham Shantymen, exhibitions at Oddfellows Hall, and a performance by Sheringham Primary School choir.

Eastern Daily Press: The Forester's Centenenary, which was in service from 1936 until 1961 and was responsible for rescuing more airmen from the sea the Second World War than any other RNLI lifeboat.Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM.The Forester's Centenenary, which was in service from 1936 until 1961 and was responsible for rescuing more airmen from the sea the Second World War than any other RNLI lifeboat.Picture: SHERINGHAM MUSEUM. (Image: Archant)

Sheringham's Mo Museum will also be welcoming visitors, while attractions at the seafront Chequers car park, off High Street, will include a model lifeboat exhibition and crab and lobster pot making demonstrations.

Those attending will also have a chance to see a new mural taking shape outside the lifeboat station on the west promenade by local artist and signwriter Colin Seal.

Eastern Daily Press: Artist Colin Seal with the mural he is painting outside Sheringham Lifeboat Station to celebrate the town's 150 years of RNLI history. Picture: KAREN BETHELLArtist Colin Seal with the mural he is painting outside Sheringham Lifeboat Station to celebrate the town's 150 years of RNLI history. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Once finished, the painting will feature all seven of Sheringham's RNLI lifeboats, from the 36ft-long Duncan, first launched in July 1867, to the current lifeboat, The Oddfellows – an Atlantic 85 rigid inflatable.

Mr Seal, who has also designed and produced badges and tee shirts for the celebration in his studio at the museum, said the mural was a tribute to the town's lifeboat history.

Eastern Daily Press: A mural taking shape outside Sheringham Lifeboat Station to celebrate the town's 150 years of RNLI history. Picture: KAREN BETHELLA mural taking shape outside Sheringham Lifeboat Station to celebrate the town's 150 years of RNLI history. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'I wanted to do it for the community, but also for myself,' he added. 'Not only is it a way of celebrating 150 years, but painting it has also given me the freedom to stop and talk to people about the lifeboats, which I love.'