Public support is the key ingredient of a successful six day community arts event that is serving up Oscar winning drama, classical music, pop, street fun and painting.
Organisers and civic dignitaries will officially launch Great Yarmouth Arts Festival today with High Steward Henry Cator leading the proceedings after a ribbon-cutting across 'the Shard' at 4.45pm.
Stirring the mix is festival chairman Hugh Sturzaker who this week urged local people to find out what was on offer and to make the most of the entertainment, much of which is free.
Well-known names include high quality, international figure Jonathan Miller and X Factor winner Steve Brookstein.
Art displays and tours focus on early Victorian painter John Sell Cotman with the former merchant's house at 133 King Street open for the first time since its transformation into an artists' hub until Sunday. There will be paintings for sale in the Minster and art-on-the-railings at St Georges.
Painter and Potter Ernie Childs will also be exhibiting at Great Yarmouth Library from Tuesday.
Classical music includes a harp recital, Great Yarmouth Brass, an organ recital, an opera screening as well as music and dance around the plaza in St George's.
The programme also features the Sillars Orchestra, Mozart's Requiem and Anna Mudeka.
Tomorrow's highlight is a carnival-style parade leaving the Fisherman's Hospital at 10.30am with displays and events continuing at the Minster, library and St George's.
There is also a free pottery fish workshop at the theatre.
Festival celebrations around the centenary of Great Yarmouth-born cinematographer Jack Cardiff include daily free screenings of his films, an exhibition of his paintings and photographs, and a display of memorabilia including his Oscars.
A blue plaque will be unveiled by his son on Sunday when there is also a showing of his biographical film including an introduction by the producer, with drinks and nibbles. Also attending will be his son and eldest brother.
A Cardiff cut-out trail which allows people to stand in for movie stars chimes with an illustrated talk about beach photographers on Wednesday at 5.30pm at St George's Theatre.
Mr Sturzaker said the line-up was 'right for Yarmouth.'
'It covers a wide range which I hope will attract a wide range of audiences. It is a good opportunity for people to come and see St George's and the minster which is a fantastic building, as well as an opportunity to see what Great Yarmouth can do.
'I want people to get involved and just enjoy it. Hopefully we can build it up and develop it.
'It is very labour intensive and very expensive. I just hope for all the people that have worked on it that it will be a success. If people want it to go ahead then they have to support it.'
Other elements include the 30ft Shard of Great Yarmouth outside Great Yarmouth Minster - a bamboo frame covered in thousands of silver fish made from crisp packets by school children and others throughout the town under the direction of Matthew Harrison.
The sculpture's aim is to promote the festival, link it to Follow the Herring which starts on July 2, highlight recycling, reflect on the Yarmouth's herring heritage and allow youngsters to be involved in the construction of a large work of art. The festival runs from June 6 to 15. Visit www.greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk or email info@greatyarmouthartsfestival.co.uk.
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