As one festival saw its grand finale in King's Lynn at the weekend, another was getting under way.

Festival Too ended with around 16,000 people flocking to see the final act, Scouting for Girls, on the Tuesday Market Place on Saturday.

And last night the King's Lynn Festival opened with the Fairey Brass Band at the Corn Exchange.

Speaking of the town's dual attractions, West Norfolk mayor Barry Ayres said: 'Where else can you get a free festival as good as this? It really puts King's Lynn on the map.

'Festival Too was a success. It has had a massive turnout and for the last night every hotel bed was taken.

'It has enhanced the footfall into shops so it has been very good for business. There has been a very good range of music and what we offer in King's Lynn is unique in this country. The festivals should run and run and we must support the organisers.'

Over the next two weeks there will be a feast of music and art taking place in the town.

King's Lynn Festival, which runs until Sunday, July 26, was founded in 1951 and has grown and thrived with its programme built round some of the finest classical music talents in this country and beyond.

Festival chairman Alison Croose said she was pleased with the response from the public. 'We are delighted that the broad appeal of the programme is reflected in good ticket sales,' she said. 'The final concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jubilee Quartet's visit to Park House, Sandringham, were early sell-outs.'

As well as its classical programme, the festival offers a lively series of other events, ranging from the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and Clare Teal – two of the best-known names in British jazz – to familiar television faces Nicholas Crane (from Coast) and Lars Tharp, from the Antiques Roadshow.

The 64th King's Lynn Festival runs from this Sunday until July 26. More information on www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk. Call the box office 01553 764864 or the Festival office on 01553 767557.