As one festival ends, another begins in King’s Lynn

The chairman of Festival Too, Alan Taylor, and chairman of King's Lynn Festival, Alison Croose, after the Festivals' service at the King's Lynn Minster. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Held at the Lynn Minster in the Saturday Market Place on Sunday, it was attended by hundreds of guests, dignitaries and community leaders.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, visited Lynn for the last time before his retirement at the end of the year, preached the sermon.

The occasion also marked the end of Festival Too, which saw tens of thousands of people pack into the Tuesday Market Place to watch headline act The Darkness on Saturday night.

The 8th Marquess Townshend, left, after being installed as High Steward of King's Lynn Minster, with the Bishop of Norwich, Rt Rev Graham James. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The festival service also marked a special occasion for Lord Charles Townshend of Raynham, who was made High Steward of Lynn Minster - a title revived from his ancestors.

The ancient office has been newly instituted for the church after it was granted the status of a Minster Church.

This honorary role means Charles George, the 8th Marquess Townshend, will serve as an ambassador for the Minster for an initial 10 year period.

Members of the King's Lynn Festival Chorus sing at the Music on the Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Although the role does not have any powers, it is intended to demonstrate the Minster's importance across a wider area than its own parish.

Kicking off the two-week jam-packed programme of events was the free outdoor Music on the Market Place concert on Sunday.

Visitors basked in the sun at the Tuesday Market Place as they watched performances by Taal-Rasa-Bhava Dance Academy, Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding, the King's Lynn Festival Chorus and Springwood Jazz Band.

The spectators enjoying the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Festival chairman Alison Croose said: 'We hope the busy festival programme will provide much pleasure and enrichment for local people as well as the many visitors from far and wide who return to the festival each year and boost West Norfolk's tourism industry.'

A number of events will be taking place throughout King's Lynn, hailed by many as a 'festival town' for the number of events that take place throughout the summer.

The King's Lynn Festival attracts hundreds of visitors to sell-out performances in the town every year, boosting the region's tourism industry.

Members of the King's Lynn Festival Chorus sing at the Music on the Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

For more information visit: www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk.

Members of the King's Lynn Festival Chorus sing at the Music on the Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The spectators enjoying the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding play at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding play at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Schoolchildren play the ukulele at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Playing the maracas at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Schoolchildren play the ukulele at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Schoolchildren play the ukulele at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Schoolchildren play the ukulele at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Kings Morris dance at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Kings Morris dance at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The Kings Morris dance at the Music on the Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)