Lowestoft Lions' main charity event of the year takes place today- with a full programme of live entertainment boosted by the early appearance of TV star Jeffrey Drayton.

More than 10 hours of entertainment is planned for the Gala Day at Nicholas Everitt Park with a programme that includes powerboat racing, the annual 'maiden in distress' raft-race out on the water and a host of attractions in the park.

Returning to top the bill at this year's gala is the Steve Colley Motorcycle Stunt Show, which includes amazing tricks and stunts along with the world famous monobike - which has no front wheel or front brake.

Other attractions in the main arena include a Birds of Prey show, as well as thrilling cycle stunts from the Mandarin BMX team. There will also be canine antics from the popular Waggy Tails Dog Agility Display Team and performances by the Totally Wicked School of Dance and the Phoenix Karate School.

A children's area will feature games with the K-Syl-R Disco, donkey rides and Professor Pulson's Punch and Judy show.

On the water there will be an opportunity to view a number of very different vessels. The annual Maiden in Distress competition will see hand built 'boats' struggling to stay afloat on the broad as they are paddled by their motley crews around a short course to 'rescue' a stranded damsel. This will be followed by all the thrills, spills, noise and excitement of racing from Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club, including three races for the classic Albatross class.

Musical entertainment on stage comes from the Lowestoft Players, who will perform extracts from their forthcoming musical Grease, whilst the Oulton Broad harmony group sing original arrangements of popular songs.

Live music will also be provided by the Waveney Valley Brass Ensemble in the refreshment tent during the afternoon whilst other musical entertainment will feature talented solo singer Lucy Willis and local girl duo Kundaliinii.

A superb Suffolk-based live band Versomuso is then set to get the park rocking late into the evening with a combination of acoustic and electric instruments, playing a great mix of pop, rock, soul, blues and reggae.

The all-day entertainment will also include Larry Gray's Funfair, as well as the usual wide range of stalls, food outlets and a beer tent.

Lowestoft's only public firework display of the year will be set off at 9pm from a barge on the Broads.

Trevor Waters, lead organiser said: 'We ask local people and visitors to please come along and support us, as they have done in the past.

'It has been a privilege for Lowestoft Lions to organise Gala Day for over 20 years and the proceeds from it are vital for our charity account, which is then spent helping those in need and to support local people who are facing varying difficulties and who ask for our help.'

The park opens at 9am. Admission to the event is £3 for adults and free for children, including a free programme.

There is also a well signposted free park and ride service from 10am at the Anglia Co-operative foodstore car park in Ashburnham Way, Carlton Colville. Anyone still hoping to book a stall or wanting further information should ring Mr Waters on 01502 566270 or email trevor.waters@btinternet.com

Are you hosting a community event in Lowestoft? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk