ONE corner of Great Yarmouth will shortly be dancing to an international rhythm thanks to the town’s upcoming second annual Mardi Gras.

Taking place on Tuesday, March 8 on King Street the event is little more than a week away, and part of a scheme to develop a new cultural quarter for the town and to revitalise one of Great Yarmouth’s most historic streets.

Organised by local arts charity Seachange Arts, it celebrates the multi cultural nature of the town through worldwide traditions associated with Mardi Gras.

It also marks the 12-month countdown to the opening of the redeveloped St George’s chapel as a multi-purpose arts venue.

SeaChange Arts’ chief executive, Joe Mackintosh explains the power of pancakes: “Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday is celebrated around the world with traditions like the pancake race.

“We’ve brought some of those traditions together, blended them with international performers and artistic practice and then added a quirky, unique twist particular to Yarmouth and its people.”

“The event is about drawing attention to this unique street, bringing trade to the businesses located there and creatively involving them in the street’s future development.”

At the heart of this development is St George’s Chapel, set to be transformed into a 300 seat venue due for completion in time for a Valentine’s day opening in 2012.

The site, designed by internationally renowned architects, Hopkins Partners will feature a specifically designed outdoor plaza and performance area to the south side of the chapel.

With work underway on the chapel, the arts have intervened again, transforming the site hoarding with a stunning 30-metre mural, created by artist, Silent Hobo and celebrating Great Yarmouth life.

The intention is that St Georges will deliver a year round programme of events and activities, providing the community with a purpose built venue and attracting new audiences to the town. Once there, they will discover a lively historic street with exciting caf� culture.

The street itself is earmarked for an extensive conservation led renovation project, funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair its historic buildings and bring empty properties back into use.

The King Street Mardi Gras takes place from 4-6pm. The event will feature entertainment, food and customs with an international theme, both in the street and inside the event’s tented area on King Street.