A weekend bonanza of art, culture and creativity will cram itself into the medieval streets of Norwich this weekend as the city again embraces the highlight of the summer – the Lord Mayor's Celebration.

Hosting street performers, artists, musicians and creative pioneers,the city's biggest community event has now been running for more than 350 years.

The main event for many is the Saturday procession of more than 70 floats, this year led by Lakenham Primary School bearing more than 400 animal puppets to tell the tale of an Aboriginal creation myth.

Head teacher Orina Dalton said: 'This is supposed to be one of the things on your bucket list if you live in Norwich. It is such an important event and I don't think you can put into words how important it is for the children to be part of a much bigger event to celebrate their community.'

Other themes in the procession include David Bowie, Alice in Wonderland and the Olympic Games.

As Saturday's festivities come to a close, a fireworks display will light up the skies over Norwich Castle at 10.30pm.

Tim Griffiths, of Pains Fireworks, said: 'In terms of fireworks and effects we are talking about thousands and thousands going off in the space of a few minutes. This year the whole thing is going to be a really high impact show with a really big finale. It will be phenomenal.'

Funds raised throughout the weekend will go to the civic charity for new Lord Mayor Marion Maxwell – Its On the Ball, which aims to raise awareness of testicular cancer.

Businesses are also expected to benefit from a boost of between £500,000 and £1m to the city economy in just 48 hours.

Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council, said: 'This year's Lord Mayor's Celebration promises to be another vibrant weekend, with an incredible range of entertainment, food and live music all over the city, culminating in a fantastic street procession and free firework display for everyone to enjoy.

'It is growing every year and always embraced by community groups, schools, local businesses and, of course, our residents, who come out in their thousands to soak up the party atmosphere.'

•Look out for our 28-page preview of the celebrations in Saturday's Evening News and a 12-page souvenir supplement in Monday's Evening News brought to you in association with Potters Resort

•Tweet us your photos and videos from the weekend using the hashtag #LMC16

•For more information visit www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20263/lord_mayors_celebration