Hundreds of people took part in the Hanse Festival in King's Lynn to celebrate the town's maritime heritage.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The day began with a flag parade through the town, with musicians and singers dressed in medieval costume leading the parade from Tuesday Market Place to King's Staithe Square.

Spectators followed the sound of music through the town with some bringing their own flags to add to the colourful mix.

On a warm, sunny Sunday, crowds of revellers gathered along the South Quay to watch the rowing race and Royal Regatta on the Great Ouse.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Long-haired pirates and merchants were spotted around the town with many taking part in the free guided walks starting from True's Yard Museum.

The community turned out to enjoy the numerous activities at the festival which included a Hanseatic treasure trail, archery at St Nicholas Chapel and falconry at the Hanse House.

Live music was performed throughout the afternoon by bands Nelson's Shantymen, The Fried Pirates and DixieMix.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Visitors made the most of the balmy weather by grabbing refreshing drinks and snacks from nearby stalls and relaxing in the outdoor seating area at King's Staithe Square.

Ann Sherring, 77, from King's Lynn, said: 'It is lovely, a real treat to see so many people enjoying themselves.' Lynette Watson said she has attended the festival on numerous occasions in previous years, adding: 'It gets the town buzzing, it is a lovely atmosphere and there is something for everyone.

'I like the community feel about everything and seeing the town enjoy itself.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Regatta on the Ouse in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

'There is not normally a lot to do on a Sunday so it makes a nice change and it is a free festival as well.'

AJ Watson, 52, added: 'It is awesome, I love the outdoors.'

The waterfront festival celebrates the town's past when it was part of a powerful medieval trading alliance in the 13th century, which helped it to grow into one of Britain's most important ports.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

It marks the beginning of the town's festival season, with Festival Too due to begin next month and King's Lynn Festival hosting a two-week programme of concerts in July.

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Eastern Daily Press: The Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian BurtThe Hanse Grand Festival Parade making it's way through the streets of King's Lynn Town Centre. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)