A replica 15th century cargo ship will sail up the Ouse with her cannons roaring to mark the start of King's Lynn's first-ever Hanse festival.

A replica 15th century cargo ship will sail up the Ouse with her cannons roaring to mark the start of King's Lynn's first-ever Hanse festival.

Quays will bustle with street markets, churches will ring out with music and blacksmiths' hammers will echo through the streets.

The four-day Hanse Festival, running from July 30 to August 1, hopes to educate and celebrate the important historic role King's Lynn played in medieval Baltic and North Sea trade.

Foremost the festival is emphasising the town's future as part of the modern Hanse League - a network of European towns linked together to forge business, tourism and cultural links.

Fireworks, food markets, live music, talks and exhibitions are just some of the catalogue of revelries organised for the festival weekend.

It is hoped the occasion will give the folk of King's Lynn a greater understanding of their past and a pride in a modern-day involvement.

During the weekend, blacksmiths, some from the other Hansetic towns, will set up forges on the South Quay and craft a permanent sculpture celebrating the Hanse connection.

King's Lynn is the only English member of the modern Hanse and St Margaret's House in King's Lynn is the only remaining example of a Hanseatic warehouse in the country.

Further details at www.kingslynnhansefestival.com