A street celebration kicked off with soulful singing and samba at the weekend, when hundreds turned out to show the strength of community spirit.

Eastern Daily Press: Magdalen Street Celebrations 2016. Painting in the children's corner.Picture: ANTONY KELLYMagdalen Street Celebrations 2016. Painting in the children's corner.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

The eighth annual Magdalen Street Celebration saw shops throw open their doors and members of the public dancing the day away, at the event which described itself as the 'liveliest street festival.'

Bands kept people entertained on two stages - one under the St Crispin's flyover, and another in Anglia Square. The latter, for the first time this year, was organised by Epic Studios.

Event manager Helena Hopkins said: 'It's been pretty wonderful, I'm amazed at how many people were here from the start.

'We started with the Norwich Samba Band at the flyover, and they made their way through Anglia Square and back again. Then we had Invidia Voices singing, and it got things going,

Eastern Daily Press: Magdalen Street Celebrations 2016. Christopher Colman from Looses shop.Picture: ANTONY KELLYMagdalen Street Celebrations 2016. Christopher Colman from Looses shop.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

'I'm so happy it's all come together.'

The event is the product of a year of volunteer organising by a small, but dedicated committee.

Miss Hopkins came on board two years ago, after she saw an advert looking for help.

'I lived here until I was 18, so I wanted to get involved. It's great to see all the arms of the community.'

Elaine Smith and her daughter five-year-old daughter Olivia went to Anglia Square to do some shopping when they heard the music.

'We only came in to the city to pick up a few things,' said the administrator from Sprowston.

'But when we saw the event was going on we took a look around. One of the shops is giving out balloons and Liv wanted one - I think it's good for the community.'

As well as music and dancing, there were guided walks from history experts, and stall holders from political parties and other organisations.

The whole day had the aim of celebrating 'the creativity and diversity of the most diverse and eclectic neighbourhood in the city.'

And Miss Hopkins said there were no plans to stop either, and that next year they would be back bigger and better.