A celebration of the arts has started in style, with music and entertainment attracting crowds of people to a coastal town.

Patron Emma Freud officially launched the fifth Southwold Arts Festival on Saturday, June 23 as a street festival and sea-themed parade took centre stage.

The Market Place and High Street was crowded with musicians, dancers, performers and stalls as the festival launched 'with an explosion of fun, singing and music.'

Publicity manager for Southwold Arts Festival, Chris Ure, said: 'It could not have gone any better.

'The weather was wonderful, the atmosphere was really lovely and it was the biggest crowds we have had in five years.

'The street festival was extremely well attended with lots of children and families, it was very, very busy and a huge success.

'All the shops got involved with window displays, children were in fancy dress and there was something for everyone.'

On Saturday night Georgie Fame performed a sell-out concert at Southwold Arts Centre and the evening proved to be a stunning success.

Mr Ure said: 'It was an excellent concert and people went away very happy. It was a perfect start – a street festival that was so well attended and a concert that was a sell-out providing real good value for money.

'We have seen lots of visitors, holidaymakers, local people, as well as a lot of new faces which is very good for Southwold as it benefits the businesses.

'Our patron Emma Freud opened the festival and said its a joy to come here every year. The festival is organised by the community, supported by the community and all the businesses join in.

'One of the strengths of the festival is it does celebrate music in many different forms as we really try to appeal to a wide audience.'

Mr Ure added: 'In a way the festival goes from strength to strength each year – it gets better every year. We are really looking forward to a very successful week ahead and the events are selling very well.'

The festival continues until next Saturday with respected female singer Mica Paris performing at 7.30pm in St Edmunds Church on June 30.

Visit www.southwoldartsfestival.co.uk/ for details.