A continental fayre will be staged in Lowestoft this summer as one of the first events to be organised by the town's business improvement district (BID) since its renewal.

The Lowestoft Vision team is celebrating the confirmation that they have secured another five-year term in which to deliver initiatives aimed at boosting the town's retail experience by hosting the fayre from August 2 to 5.

The continental fayre will be the first of its kind in Lowestoft and will feature a range of attractions including musicians and street performers, and many businesses throughout the town centre will be taking part by theming their businesses to a country.

Ann-marie Doggett, events and promotions coordinator at Lowestoft Vision, said: 'We're now pulling together all the elements that will help make these four days really fun for residents and visitors alike and increase footfall and sales for all the businesses in the town centre. Watch this space for more information.'

Lowestoft Vision, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, renewed its mandate after a ballot of all the levy paying businesses in the town centre on May 25.

The vote saw 77pc of voting businesses backing a 'yes' outcome and nearly 90pc by rateable value. The outcome was confirmed on June 25 after the statutory one month 'challenge period'.

At the same time, Danny Steel, chairman of Lowestoft Vision during its first five years, stood down from that role, although he remains on the organisation's board. He has been replaced by Dan Poitras, manager of the Britten Centre.

Mr Poitras said: 'Danny Steel embodies what Lowestoft Vision is all about: positive, hard-working and passionate about making our town centre more attractive, appealing, influential and secure.

'On behalf of everyone associated with our BID, I would like to thank Danny for his leadership and support and I'm delighted that he will still be working with us in the future.'

Additionally, Amanda Ankin, Suffolk chamber's operations director has replaced John Dugmore, the chamber's chief executive on the board.

And with the ballot successfully out of the way, Lowestoft Vision is starting preparations for its next events attracting more shoppers and visitors into the town centre including the return of the Freddie the Fish trail.