Businesses are hoping for a welcome boost this weekend as vintage wear and old-school cabaret come to one of the oldest parts of Norwich.

The inaugural Elm Hill Festival, which runs until Monday, got under way yesterday.

As part of the event, vintage clothes stalls and stands selling crafts have been set up in Olive's cafe and the church of St Simon and St Jude at the bottom of the cobbled street.

A mini catwalk show will be held this afternoon and a cabaret show, called Suck It and See, will be held tonight in Olive's at 7pm. The event, which organisers hope will become an annual fixture, is aimed to raise the profile of the medieval precinct and the shops in the area.

Joe Ballard, one of the performers, said: 'The idea is to raise the profile of the small independent businesses which Elm Hill has got.

'People know it as a historic part of the city but it's about showing more support for the businesses down there.'

The festival was launched yesterday morning by drag character Titti T-rash who will be seen in tonight's cabaret organised by the Norwich Alternative Theatre Company.

The mini catwalk will be held at 3pm in Olive's today and the vintage fair will run from 10am to 5pm tomorrow in both the church and Olive's.

Face painting and other activities are also on offer throughout the weekend.

Tickets for the cabaret are available on the door. �2 donation.

Are you doing something to raise the profile of Norwich businesses? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk