Family fun is sailing into Great Yarmouth when the annual Maritime Festival docks next month.

The free weekend event celebrates the town's close connection with the sea, both now and during its rich history.

But as well as the visiting tall ship Kaskelot and shanty singers there is also a wealth of free entertainment for children at the heart of the busy weekend programme on South Quay over September 9 and 10.

Chairman of the organising committee Aileen Mobbs said: 'The Maritime Festival is a family event offering plenty to do for children as well as their parents. We hope our visitors young and old enjoy exploring Great Yarmouth's seafaring links through fun activities.'

Youngsters will be able to make their own boat out of the balsa wood in the children's crafts marquee, and decorate it with shells and glitter and create sticky seaside pictures.

They can make herring kites and shark's tooth necklaces on the Norfolk Wildlife Trust stand, which also showcases the weird and wonderful creatures living in the sea.

The RSPB has three marquees packed with things to do – including making a dragonfly, a butterfly feeder or a flying wristband while learning about The Broads and local nature reserves.

Help construct a swarm of giant dragonflies at the Broads National Park stand, while Natural England will also host fun maritime themed activities, and there is even a chance to try lace-making and knot-tying on the tall ship.

A heritage hub offers a chance to make your own postcards and tackle the mystery object game while learning about the town's history over the past 150 years.

Street entertainers will also be out and about, and there is traditional seaside fun at a Punch and Judy show.

The festival, which attracts around 30,000 people, is staged by the Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area (GYTABIA), as part of its drive to attract visitors and spending to the borough.

The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival was first staged in September 2000 as The Maritime Fayre on the newly refurbished South Quay in Great Yarmouth and is now in its 17th year.