ARTISTS, storytellers and musicians will be celebrating Felixstowe's coastline in a huge event to encourage people to get out and about and enjoy life by the sea.

ARTISTS, storytellers and musicians will be celebrating Felixstowe's coastline in a huge event to encourage people to get out and about and enjoy life by the sea.

Felixstroll takes place on Saturday and Sunday with a diverse range of artist's installations, music, activities, workshops and tours from Landguard Point to Felixstowe Ferry, along the route of the proposed coastal path.

The aim is to encourage people to explore the coast - and walk and cycle its five miles, stopping off to enjoy the different attractions along the way.

Schools have been heavily involved in the preparations with Deben High students working with members of London Sinfonietta, who will be performing at Landguard Fort, Orwell High pupils making weather vanes, and Langer primary youngsters doing beach litter art.

Among many artists taking part, James Fletcher is stepping back to Victorian times to appear as the resort's celebrated postcard photographer Charles Emeny.

“I will be dressing up in the full Victorian costume but the biggest problem has been the beard,” said James, who will have a plate glass camera with a modern digital SLR hidden inside.

“I cannot grow a beard - it just comes out all fine and gingery. So I have ordered some proper stage facial hair to glue on!”

Artists and musicians will look at the coastal environment, changing landscapes, memories and traditions.

“Felixstroll will give local people an alternative perspective on the coastline they know so well and introduce newcomers to the rich heritage of this part of the district through the medium of art,” said Suffolk Coastal council cabinet member Mary Neale.

Maps of the exhibitions, installations and full details of all events are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe.

Felixstroll highlights

Saturday July 4

9am - 11am: James Fletcher taking portrait photographs of people along the prom, outside the Town Hall.

10am: James Fletcher's Eating Along the Way exhibition at the Town Hall. Storytelling walks with Saul Jaffe, “Gossip, Grandeur, Black Dogs and Rock Gods”, begin (also at 11am and noon) outside the Spa Pavilion.

10.45am: Face painting in the Spa Gardens until 3.30pm. Pram Walk from the Spa Gardens.

11am: Children's workshop to make and decorate a Top Hat. Strolling musicians Original Instinct playing up to 3.30pm along the prom between Cobbolds Point and pier

Noon: Nature Walk (also at 3pm) with the Landguard officer from Manor Terrace car park.

2pm: Peddling Ideas bike tour by Naomi Leake from Landguard Viewing Point.

3pm: Impromptu performances by London Sinfonietta along the prom.

4.30pm Surf and Turf featuring the London Sinfonietta and Dean Parkin at Landguard Fort. Adults �3, children free.

Sunday July 5

9am - 12.30pm: James Fletcher taking portrait photographs outside the Town Hall.

10am: Heritage Walk along the Coast Path - Landguard Fort to the Ferry. Art installations along the Coast Path. Eating Along The Way exhibition at the Town Hall. Storytelling walk with Saul Jaffe (also at 11am and noon).

10.45am: Face painting in the Spa Gardens until 3.30pm. Pram Walk from the Spa Gardens.

11am: Children's art activity - painting plaster sea creatures (until 3pm). Original Instinct playing along the prom. Grand Theatre of Lemmings, The Cod Choir and the Bouncing Bunnies on the seafront until 3pm. Nature Walk from Manor Terrace car park (also at 1pm).

2pm: Peddling Ideas bike tour from Landguard Viewing Point. Mad Hutter's Tea Parties (until 4pm) - 40 beach huts from Manor End to Clifflands participating.