A staple and historic event in the west Norfolk calendar has started with a bang.

Hundreds flocked to the Tuesday Market Place on Saturday (February 12) as the King's Lynn Mart was officially opened.

Eastern Daily Press: King's Lynn Mart 2022 gets under way with the traditional opening ceremonyKing's Lynn Mart 2022 gets under way with the traditional opening ceremony (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

The annual extravaganza attracts thousands of people every year, but was cancelled in 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Proceedings got under way this afternoon with the traditional opening ceremony, which saw various dignitaries and showmen parade through town.

Families and friends now have two weeks to enjoy a host of activities and entertainment at the funfair.

Eastern Daily Press: King's Lynn Mart offers dozens of fairground rides, stalls and gamesKing's Lynn Mart offers dozens of fairground rides, stalls and games (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Rides include fairground favourites such as dodgems and waltzers, as well as Big Bomber and Freak Out for the adrenaline junkies.

The mart (German for "market") will be open every day until Saturday, February 26, with the exception of Sundays.

It has been a key occasion in King's Lynn for more than 800 years, and always coincides with Valentine's Day.

Visit our website on Sunday for more pictures and reaction.

Eastern Daily Press: The Bishop of Lynn at the King's Lynn Mart opening ceremony for 2022The Bishop of Lynn at the King's Lynn Mart opening ceremony for 2022 (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Eastern Daily Press: Families and friends have already been enjoying the rides at King's Lynn MartFamilies and friends have already been enjoying the rides at King's Lynn Mart (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Eastern Daily Press: A scene from the opening ceremony of the 2022 King's Lynn MartA scene from the opening ceremony of the 2022 King's Lynn Mart (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Eastern Daily Press: Various dignitaries and showmen paraded through town as King's Lynn Mart got under wayVarious dignitaries and showmen paraded through town as King's Lynn Mart got under way (Image: Ian Burt Photography)