The King's Lynn Festival is now in full swing after opening today with a festival service and an exhibition.

The service, at St Margaret's Church, was followed by the exhibition of the work of King's Lynn-born art teacher Graham Dudley Page at King's Lynn Arts Centre and King's Lynn Festival Chorus and European Chamber is due to perform in concert at King's Lynn Corn Exchange tonight.

A new festival shop at the arts centre's Red Barn Gallery also opened today.

This will remain open until the end of the festival, which is backed by the EDP, on July 30.

It sells a range of pottery, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and other art and craft items created by local artists.

West Norfolk Borough mayor Colin Sampson attended the exhibition and shop opening.

He said: 'I'm really excited about the festival this year and I will be attending as many of the events as I possibly can.

'There is loads of interesting things happening throughout the festival but I am particularly looking forward to seeing the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and the Hayley Westenra concert.'

He added: 'It's great to have this exhibition from a local artist on the opening day.

'There are a lot of talented artists in the area and I think this exhibition will bring in a lot of people from outside the town.'

Amanda Goldsmith, visual arts officer for the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk said: 'The exhibition has been very popular. We've had more than 200 people come through today and it's been a great way to start the festival.'