What time does Ipswich Maritime Festival start and what is on at the Waterfront?

Plenty of activities and attractions are on at the Waterfront again today as the Ipswich Maritime Festival has returned across the weekend.

Fresh from a packed Friday for the Twilight Races and a positive start to the festival yesterday, the town is set to draw the crowds once again today as the festival returns after a year off.

Kicking off once again from 10am today, a host of demonstrations, stalls, food and drink and entertainment have been prepared along the Waterfront – all in celebration of Ipswich and its maritime history.

Dozens of vessels have gathered at the marina where stalls from local companies, food and drink sellers and community groups will line the quay.

Elsewhere, historical re-enactments complete with performers in period dress have been laid on, as well as live music performances from some of the region’s top bands.

There is plenty to keep the little ones entertained too, as a punch and judy show has been lined up alongside games and activities and fairground rides.

This year’s festival – which is being held every two years – has a viking theme to entertain the crowds, with as many as 75,000 expected across the two days.

Festivities are running from 10am-10pm today, with the Saints Maritime Beer & Cider Festival running at St Peter’s by the Waterfront having kicked off on Friday night to join the festival fun.

Run by local brewers Beer&Co. the festival is raising money for Suffolk charity Home-Start, with volunteers from Fleximize and Ipswich Round Table helping behind the bar.

Later this evening, the traditional festival-closing firework display will begin at 9.30pm to wrap up what is expected to be another successful festival.

And the weather outlook is promising for both days of the festival.

Forecasters have predicted a largely dry and sunny weekend, and said temperatures could hit 20C (68F) today.