STEPHEN PULLINGER Organisers of the eighth Yarmouth Maritime Festival are hoping for a record turnout with the weather set fair for the whole weekend. Marketing manager Nicola Gibson said: “Last year we predicted 40,000 visitors and we hope we will attract that many and more this weekend.

STEPHEN PULLINGER

Organisers of the eighth Yarmouth Maritime Festival are hoping for a record turnout with the weather set fair for the whole weekend.

Marketing manager Nicola Gibson said: “Last year we predicted 40,000 visitors and we hope we will attract that many and more this weekend. The weather forecast could not be better for a festival like this.”

Mayor Paul Garrod will officially launch the South Quay festivities, which run from 10am to 6pm today and 10am to 4.30pm tomorrow.

Visiting vessels include the impressive Grand Turk, a replica of an 18th century frigate which was featured in the TV series Hornblower.

Invited guests who have supported the festival joined the vessel last night for the traditional sail-away out of the harbour and along the coast, but this weekend is likely to be the last chance for visitors to climb on board the ship in Yarmouth as she looks to be heading to the Caribbean as a tourist pleasure craft.

Other ships lining the quay include the cargo sailing vessel Albatros, a motor torpedo boat and famous wherries.

Fitting music will be provided by some of the best shanty groups in the UK, including the Shellback Chorus, Sheringham Shantyman, Benny Capstan Full Strength, Monkey's Orphan and local talents. The musical programme also includes the Wrentham Brass Band.

The festival also features craft marquees full of local and visiting craftsmen, a variety of street entertainment including performances by the Inner State Theatre Company, balloon modelling and Punch and Judy.

There will be re-enactments from East Norfolk Militia, demonstrations by the Gorleston lifeboat and a chance to experience Royal Naval Simulators. The East Anglian Working Newfoundland Dogs will be giving demonstrations.

Visitors can also enjoy marine model boat and maritime art exhibitions and guided heritage walks, official heritage tour guides leading walks around some of the best maritime heritage sites along South Quay.

New this year will be cooking demonstrations throughout the festival offering a chance to watch top chefs from the region create dishes using maritime ingredients.

Chairman of the festival committee and director of Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority Aileen Mobbs, said: “It's been all hands on deck to help make this year's festival the best yet. Months of planning have brought together some of the very best maritime attractions from around the UK, joining some of our best home-grown talent.”