Preparations are well under way for a weekend showcasing all that Beccles has to offer.

Taking place on July 2 and 3, chosen as it is the closest weekend to the date of the original granting of the charter by Queen Elizabeth I, the weekend will include live music, waterside and waterborne events, exhibitions, open gardens and 'secret spaces' as well as an opportunity to travel between events along the river.

A whole host of activities will be put out across the town over the two days with something on offer for all the family.

There will be activity hubs set up at Hungate Church, Beccles Library, Beccles Museum, St Michael's Church, the Town Hall, the Tower and Hippersons Boatyard.

Also running over the weekend will be the Beccles Open Gardens and Spaces (BOGS) and an appeal has been put out for people to open their gardens to the public to have a look.

The organising committee is holding monthly meetings to discuss plans for the weekend.

Plans confirmed so far include;

An author event featuring 12 writers of books across many genres at Beccles Town Hall

A range of boats including the torpedo boat MTB 102

Trips to the top of Beccles Tower at £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children

As well as a cake sale, music, riverside activities, river trips and craft trips. The popular BOGS event will raise money for the NSPCC, the Inside Out Group and one from a gardener's own choice.

Beccles Town councillor Hugh Taylor said: 'The weekend will offer something for everyone and a chance to celebrate some of the sight and experience which Beccles can offer its residents and visitors alike.

'Last year was a big success with the Open Gardens raising £3,000 alone with around 600 visitors. The event will raise funds for local causes.'

Anyone wishing to participate by either opening a garden or outdoor space of interest to the public, demonstrating a craft or promoting any other activity of general interest is asked to contact the organisers by emailing becclescharter@gmail.com.

Do you have a Beccles story? Email reporter kieran.lynch@archant.co.uk