King’s Lynn festivals get into full swing

The launch of the King's Lynn Festival. Pictured are (from left) Alison Croose, Issy Smith and Borough Mayor David Whitby. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Lynn is known to many in the area as the festival town because of the huge array of music and theatrical events which take place in the heart of the historic town.

With Festival Too in full swing, this weekend will see thousands more heading to West Norfolk for the start of the King's Lynn Festival 2017.

Now in it's 67th year, the two-week festival has secured some of the biggest names in classical music and the arts.

Vladamir and Anton will be performing in King's Lynn Festival. Picture: Ruth Medjber (Image: www.ruthlessimagery.com)

This year's event will see performances by award-winning poet Roger McGough, international harpsichordist Robin Bigwood and pianist Freddy Kempf, along with top bands and orchestras.

Festival chairman Alison Croose said: 'There is a tremendous number of people who have come back year after year, and people from abroad too.

'The quality of the programme is very much respected around the country, and the festival itself enriches the lives of people in the area.'

Clare Teal, who performed at the King's Lynn Festival 2017. Picture: PATRICIA TOBIN (Image: Archant)

Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health at West Norfolk council, said the festival boosts the town's economy in terms of tourism.

'It encourages people to come to King's Lynn and try out our restaurants and theatre,' she said.

'We have evidence people from all over the east of England come to King's Lynn especially for the event, last year someone travelled from Australia.

Roger McGough and Little Machine performed at King's Lynn Festival. Picture: Nick Wright (Image: Archant)

'Festival time in King's Lynn is a fantastic atmosphere.'

With over 30 events spanning the two weeks between July 16 - 29, there is no lack of things to do this summer.

The festival will begin with a free four-hour show on the Tuesday Market Place on Sunday, July 16.

Learn more about the harpsichord with musician Robin Bigwood in a workshop in King's Lynn. Picure: COURTESY OF KING'S LYNN FESTIVAL (Image: Supplied by King's Lynn Festival)

The town will be abuzz with a host of jazz and classical music acts from 11am until 3pm, with performances by the A4 Brass Quartet, Harry Strutters Jazz Magic and Spalding's Ukulele Orchestra.

Nearby the so-called duelling violinists Vladimir and Anton Jablokov will host a free family show in the Corn Exchange at 12.45pm.

• For more information and tickets, visit the King's Lynn Festival website.

Pianist Freddy Kempf. Picture: Neda Navaee (Image: Archant)