Outdoor music event gets the much-loved King’s Lynn Festival underway

Music on the Market at Tuesday Market Place, part of the King's Lynn Festival. A4 Brass entertaining the crowd. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Now in its 67th year, it is the first time the well-renowned and much-loved classical music and the arts festival has held an outdoor event.

The sound of ukuleles and violins filled the Tuesday Market Place as people enjoyed performances from A4 Brass Quartet, Harry Strutters Jazz Magic and Spalding's Ukulele Orchestra.

Samphire Quilters exhibition at St Nicholas' Chapel, King's Lynn, part of the King's Lynn Festival. Pictured: Rosalyn Staveley and Helen Mace from the group. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

The performers were taking to a new stage purchased by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk with money donated to them.

Alison Croose, chairman of the festival, said: 'It is going really well and there have been quite a few people about since it is a first.

'It makes people aware the festival is happening. It is a taster and encourages more people to come to the festival.'

Music on the Market at Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn. A4 Brass entertaining the crowd. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

For the next two weeks - until Saturday, July 29 - the town will be abuzz with an array of top-flight artists and performers.

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

Highlights include Friday Night is Music Night featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra hosted by BBC Radio 2's Ken Bruce.

The concert's theme is musical heroes and villains and will include scores from the Godfather, Pirates of the Caribbean and Games of Thrones.

Award-winning Liverpudlian poet Roger McGough, international harpsichordist Robin Bigwood, pianist Freddy Kempf and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will also perform.

Additionally there are a number of pop-up exhibitions and workshops including Hands on Harpsichords and a classical taster.

A collection of artist and mariner Alfred Wallis' work, from the University of Cambridge, will be on display at the King's Lynn Arts Centre.

Mrs Croose added: 'The programme has been greeted with much enthusiasm. People appreciate the quality and we just hope that enthusiasm is translated in ticket sales.

'We aim to enrich the lives of people in West Norfolk but we also attract people from country-wide.

'In bringing all the people in, we are boosting West Norfolk tourism.'

For more information about dates, times, ticket prices and a full list of performers and exhibitions visit the festival website