THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Great Yarmouth Racecourse on Sunday to support Embrace - a unique charity festival combining sport, music and live entertainment.

THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to Great Yarmouth Racecourse on Sunday to support Embrace - a unique charity festival combining sport, music and live entertainment.

After more than a year in the making organisers are hoping the behind-the-scenes work pays off at the money-spinning event - tipped to raise thousands of pounds for Palliative Care East.

The family fun day kicks-off at 10.30am and admission for the entire day is �3 - a bargain for a good day's entertainment, according Spencer McCormack, one of the main organisers of the event.

Mr McCormack, director of BWell health clubs, said: “Obviously we want as many people there on the day as possible. I must say a big thank you to the 360 odd people who are giving their time up for free to take part in the event. The support for the event from local businesses and clubs has been amazing.”

Embrace will feature six hours of live entertainment with some of the borough's finest bands including rockers Canine Feline and girlband EFX hitting the purpose-built stage.

In between performances by the six lives acts models from Gorleston High Street hair consultants Fusion will host a catwalk show - showcasing classic styles from the 1980s as well as producing a show on what they predict will be hot on the catwalk in 2080.

Lady Knollys, the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, will give an opening address at 10.30am and the three-mile fun run/walk will start at 10.45am along with the balloon race.

Other attractions include displays from artists at the Hippodrome Circus in Yarmouth, the North Sea Roller Skating club, martial arts from Phoenix Karate Schools, Bohemians Youth Football Club, and the Charisma Twirling Team.

And an attraction tipped to be popular with children and adults is the Aquasphere balls where people run on water inside an air-filled ball.

VIPs will get the chance to bid for a range of prizes in the charity auction including a signed Norwich City Football Club shirt and a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-scenes trip with the Horse Guards regiment in London and seeing the changing of the guard.

The entertainment continues into the evening with live performances from EFX, Canine Feline, Autumn Rain, Route II, Llewelyn, and Big Red Boat.

A show by comedians from the Red Card Comedy Club unfortunately had to be cancelled, but a similar event called Mainstream Comedy, will be held at the Burrage Centre, at the hospital in the evening, with tickets available from BWell at the Burrage Centre.

The James Paget's annual fete will be held from 11am until 5pm on Sunday featuring stalls including toys, perfume, books and model boats. There will also be attractions by the Army and Air Force and local sea cadets.

Mr McCormack also announced that the winner of a sweet jar competition held by BWell in aid of Palliative Care East was Mary-Anne Brett.

9pm - Doors open

10.30am - Opening address by Lady Knollys

10.45am - Balloon race and Embrace Fun Run

11am-5pm - Hospital fete

11am-4pm - Club displays and performances

11.30am-4.30pm VIP area: live acts and charity auction

1pm-6pm - Live concert

6.30pm - Gates close