Families, friends and red-robed dignitaries flooded Great Yarmouth's Market Place for the official opening of the town's Easter Fair.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The traditional Great Yarmouth Easter Fair held in the Market Place.Mayor John Burroughs on the dodgems.Picture: James BassThe traditional Great Yarmouth Easter Fair held in the Market Place.Mayor John Burroughs on the dodgems.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

The four-day extravaganza, which has been held in the town for centuries, was launched with the handing over of the ceremonial Fair Key, before the dozens of rides kicked into action to the delight of visitors young and old.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The traditional Great Yarmouth Easter Fair held in the Market Place.Picture: James BassThe traditional Great Yarmouth Easter Fair held in the Market Place.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

A marching band led the traditional parade of showmen and dignitaries from the Town Hall to the Market Place, where mayor John Burroughs handed over the gilded key to representatives of the Eastern Counties branch of the Showmen's Guild, officially opening it to all.

Among the crowds was Jacqueline Gray, a committee member with the Guild, who remembers coming to the fair as a young girl.

She said yesterday's launch had been brilliant with scores of people flocking to the fair to have a go on the rides and try their hand at the various stalls.

'It's a lovely tradition and the atmosphere there is great,' she added. 'Whatever the weather we always get a warm welcome at Yarmouth, and the support from the customers, the council and the mayor is great.

'It's something we always look forward to.

'Last year we had a couple there who were celebrating their wedding anniversary after they had met as youngsters at the fair. It's lovely for us to hear stories like that. It's something all ages can enjoy.'

This year the fair features more than 100 rides and attractions, including two sets of dodgems, the 165ft-high spinning Oblivion and two fun houses, as well as stands selling traditional tasty treats such as candy floss and toffee apples.

The fair runs until Sunday. It is open today and tomorrow from 11am - 11pm and from 11am - 6pm on Sunday.