STEPHEN PULLINGER A boat being prepared for a cross-Atlantic rowing world record will be a star attraction at Yarmouth's Maritime Festival next month. The 12-strong crew of La Mondiale, who will be bidding to break the 35hr 8min record for the Columbus Run, from the Canaries to the West Indies, in November, will be put through their paces on the River Yare.

STEPHEN PULLINGER

A boat being prepared for a cross-Atlantic rowing world record will be a star attraction at Yarmouth's Maritime Festival next month.

The 12-strong crew of La Mondiale, who will be bidding to break the 35hr 8min record for the Columbus Run, from the Canaries to the West Indies, in November, will be put through their paces on the River Yare.

More than 30,000 spectators from all over the eastern counties are expected to attend the annual celebration of Yarmouth's maritime heritage on the weekend of September 8 and 9.

Visiting vessels will include the Grand Turk, a replica of an 18th-century frigate which featured in the television series Hornblower, the historic cargo sailing vessel Albatros, Royal Navy vessels, including a motor torpedo boat, and wherries.

Music will be provided by some of the best shanty groups in the UK, including the Shellback Chorus, Sheringham Shantyman, Benny Capstan Full Strength, Monkey's Orphan and local talents. Wrentham Brass Band will also be giving a concert.

Street entertainment will include balloon modelling, Punch and Judy and performances by the Inner State Theatre Company.

Borough council tourism officer Nicola Gibson said: "There will be a return for lots of other popular attractions, including lifeboat displays by Gorleston RNLI and re-enactments from East Norfolk Militia."

East Anglian Working Newfoundland Dogs will be giving displays and there will be marine model boat and maritime art exhibitions.

New features this year include cooking demonstrations throughout the festival with top regional chefs, and a display of historic maps, prints and memorabilia from Yarmouth through the centuries.