Hundreds of people have flocked to Lowestoft's seafront as the town's annual summer festival gets under way.

The festival, which is returning for its fourth year, promotes Lowestoft by showcasing local organisations and raising money for local charities.

Both Royal Green and the seafront have been filled with a variety of food, market and craft stalls; along with a voluntary sector, museum marquee and a children's zone.

Festival chairman Mark Lanham said: 'So far we have had a fantastic turnout from the people of Lowestoft.

'They have come to enjoy the sun; enjoy the music and enjoy the acts.

'I'm really happy with the number of people here this year.'

He added: 'Lowestoft has lost several events over the years; this is an event unique to the town where local charities and organisations can come together and showcase what they do for the town.

'It's as much about the organisations as it is the people coming to enjoy the day.'

The festival is a partnership of Lowestoft Vision, Lowestoft Rising, Lowestoft Lions, Lowestoft's Rotary Clubs, the Kirkley Business Association, Sentinel Leisure Trust, the Kirkley People's Forum and London Road Baptist Church.

And this year has seen increased financial support from Waveney District Council, Suffolk County Council and Lowestoft Town Council.

Phil Aves of Lowestoft Rising said: 'We have been blessed with good weather and people have come out in droves.

'There is a nice family feel about the event and more people seem to know about it this year.'

A large stage has been built on Royal Green which will see a variety of acts perform before tonight's main event - a performance from the world-renowned James Bond Concert Spectacular at 7.30pm.

This will be one of the first events on Royal Green to take place in the evening since event licensing laws changed the music curfew from 8pm to 11pm .

Before the concert on the sands south of Claremont Pier, a sandcastle building record attempt takes place at 6pm, while a sandcastle design competition will be held on Sunday morning at 11am.

For more information about the event and summer festival visit www.lowestoftrising.co.uk/summer-festival