A 60ft robot called Waterlitz towered over Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, as thousands of curious spectators stood in his path last night.

For the giant - constructed from eight huge shipping containers - was brought to town by French production company Generik Vapeur for the Out There Festival.

In an hour of unusual action packed with cultural references, people abseiled from the robot, a rock band played and fireworks sprayed out of the robot's arms.

Earlier in the day giant insects and cavemen had taken over St George's Park for Britain's largest circus festival.

Organisers say the Out There Festival - now in its fifth year - is the most ambitious yet, and has drawn thousands of visitors.

Performances have picked up momentum over the weekend, with menacing creatures with black mohawks pounding drums around the park, a giant tribal head shifting its eyes around the crowds and athletic cavemen capturing people's imagination on the wheel of death.

Joe Mackintosh, director of Seachange Arts, said: 'This year is the big one and it's really landed.

'People are sitting up and taking notice as it's the biggest circus festival in the UK.

'We've been really listening to our audiences and every year we try something new to respond.'

He said this year there has been more focus on high wire style acts so crowds can see what is going on even if they are several rows back.

For the first time ever the festival has had shows at the Hippodrome, and last night there was a spectacular seafront show featuring 60ft tall 'Waterlitz'.

Colleen Walker, mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: 'The festival is phenomenal and proves Yarmouth has a 'can do' community.

'I can't praise the organisers enough and the crowds are loving it.'

The action continues throughout today around Yarmouth - with most acts in St George's Park during the daytime.

For a full programme, see www.outtherefestival.com