It's white-knuckle time again as showmen prepare for the start of their touring year with the traditional opening of King's Lynn Mart.All the colour and excitement of the fairground will fill Lynn's historic Tuesday Market Place from Saturday at noon when the centuries-old official opening ceremony is held.

It's white-knuckle time again as showmen prepare for the start of their touring year with the traditional opening of King's Lynn Mart.

All the colour and excitement of the fairground will fill Lynn's historic Tuesday Market Place from Saturday at noon when the centuries-old official opening ceremony is held.

The hearts of young and old alike may well be in their mouths as they experience the thrills and spills provided for two weeks by the showmen.

And back by popular demand, following its successful debut last year, is the booster ride which spins its daring occupants in a full circle at speed… so prepare to be afraid. This year the ride will be located within the actual fairground rather than as last year the site between The Globe Hotel and Barclays Bank.

The showmen are due to begin arriving into he town on Wednesday morning ready to set up the fair and all the well-loved favourites will be there .

In these current difficult economic times, most of the rides will be kept at 2008 prices, said Donald Gray, the mart's chief steward.

He said the showmen would be distributing around 20,000 discount tickets around the town and there will be competitions on local radio and in the press for people to win tickets.

'People have to remember that the Mart is a great free show. You can walk around the fair and soak up the colour and atmosphere for free. We hope people will spend money but you don't have to,' said Mr Gray.

'The King's Lynn Mart goes back centuries and is very much part of the town's history and people love the tradition of it, particularly the grand opening ceremony which is attended by civic leaders and dignitaries from the eastern region. King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Mayor, David Johnson, will perform the opening.

The Mart opens on Saturday at 12 noon and continues, except for Sundays, until Saturday, February 28. Some days it will be open from 12 noon and children's day, when rides are cheaper, will be on February 16 from 12 noon.