Stephen PullingerThousands of people who take to the streets for next weekend's Out There Festival in Yarmouth are being encouraged not just to watch but to join in.Stephen Pullinger

Thousands of people who take to the streets for next weekend's Out There Festival in Yarmouth are being encouraged not just to watch but to join in.

And that could mean anything from custard pie throwing to urban dancing, puppet or mask making, clay modelling, music, gymnastics and circus skills.

Those brave enough to venture near the Custard Pie Throwing Olympics from noon on Sunday at St George's Park will be urged to enjoy some expert training and even enter competitions.

The London-based group behind the event, the Bureau of Silly Ideas (BOSi), will also be looking for support for their UK campaign to make pie throwing an official Olympic sport in time for 2012.

The group was formed in 2003 by Roger Hartley and Claire Horan who met in a lift at Heathrow Airport while travelling with their partners on the way to a wedding in Thailand.

After a couple of conversations with the Arts Council, BOSi was formed to embark on a new project to encourage people to make the most of public open space through street theatre.

There will be many other opportunities during the weekend of September 19-20, with King's Lynn Free Runners leading a display of parkour and offering visitors the chance to have a go at stunts such as flips and vaults. Equally energetic will be urban street dance and skating sessions led by Dutch performers ISH, with the public again encouraged to have a go.

Anyone inspired by the three colourful masquerades which launch the event at 11am on Saturday can learn how to make the sort of themed masks and headdresses involved.

And spectators can try circus skills such as juggling, stilt walking, plate spinning and balancing.

"The two days will provide amazing spectacles for everyone to watch but those keen to be actively involved should get Out There and join in," said Joe Mackintosh, chief executive of organisers SeaChange Arts.

For those who prefer to stand back and watch, there are around 90 spectacular displays from more than 30 performing troupes throughout Saturday at St George's Park, the seafront, Market Place and Regent Road and on Sunday at the park.

Saturday evening's outdoor events conclude with a firework display at the Sealife Centre green (7.45pm) followed by a series of cabaret shows at venues around the town.

More details at www.outthere

festival.com