Visitors to the second Horning Boat Show had the chance to take a stroll through the history of boatbuilding. Haines of Catfield's 32 Sedan motor cruiser, the epitome of gleaming modern luxury, was moored just along the quay from Ludham yacht builder Colin Buttifant's White Swan, the loving reincarnation of a traditional Broads sailing cruiser.

Craft displayed on and off the water came in all shapes, sizes, ages and values - from a modest price to six figures - but Saturday's show was definitely not just about boats with bands, choirs and dancers performing around the Broadland village all day.

And the event was chosen by Archant for the official launch of its 164-page Norfolk Broads publication that tells the story of this special part of our county in fascinating features and breath-taking photography.

The limited edition magazine, produced in association with Richardson's Boating Holidays, was unveiled to show visitors by Robert Richardson and his sons Clive and Paul.

Organiser Maureen Lewis said: 'This year we tried to make it a show for everyone and put on attractions for children, including an assault course, go-kart track and helicopter cockpit; all three Horning pubs put on live music in the evening.'

She was buoyed by the throng of visitors to what was the inaugural event in the two-week Broads Outdoors Festival.

'We believe we beat last year's 5,000 attendance. Certainly there were more vehicles in the show car park at Bewilderwood,' she said.

'We carried out a visitor survey and found people had come from as far afield as Essex.'

For a second year running, the event was a positive experience for marine businesses who agreed it had firmly put Horning on the map as a boat show venue.

Mrs Lewis said: 'James Fraser of Norfolk Yacht Agency said it had been a particularly good day, meeting lots of potential new customers and ending with several boat sale deals on the go.

'Wroxham-based Norfolk Boat Sales said there had been a lot of interest in their new imported Elan motor yachts.'

The Norfolk Broads - Our Heritage Our Future is now on sale, available at the discounted price of £5.95 from www.buyamag.co.uk and in all good newsagents and outlets around the Broads at £7.95.

Archant will donate 25 pence from every sale of the publication to Love the Broads, a special campaign aimed at securing the future of this unique and magical landscape.