Ipswich Waterfront took a step back in time this weekend with the arrival of the highly anticipated Maritime Festival.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the quayside for two days of nautical-themed entertainment, from historic vessels to a “Pilots’ Mess Pub”.

Now in its fifth year, the event is fully embedded in the town’s summer social calendar, attracting visitors from across Suffolk and beyond.

The activities were spread across the length of the riverside, starting with a Maritime Dance Day in the Cranfield Mill Courtyard hosted by DanceEast.

Charlotte Prodger, marketing officer for the dance company, said: “It’s been great, it’s our home here on the Waterfront and it’s nice to show everyone what we do and have everyone be a part of it.”

This led on to the Nautical, Gift and Information market involving more than 35 stalls, where sightseers could pick up a maritime trinket or even learn how to perform CPR thanks to volunteers from St John Ambulance.

The spirit of the festival then came to life with a variety of historical re-enactment workshops outside The Old Custom House.

Seniz Hasan, 23, who was enjoying the day with friend Tyler Nunn, said: “It’s nice for Ipswich to have something going on and to see everyone come together.”

Festival-goers were stunned into silence with the firing of a Great War 18 Pdr Filed Gun by The Garrison Artillery Volunteers.

Garrison bombardier Simon Ulrich said: “It’s been a great day, we’ve had a really good reception and a lot of interest.”

Debbie Bamford and John Stoker were teaching lessons in First World War toy soldier pewter casting and painting.

Mr Stoker was creating lead soldiers with liquid and moulds, with Ms Bamford painting figurines.

Natasha Miller, who brought along sons, Maximus, four, and Phoenix, two, said: “The boys are really interested in the boats, it’s great to have something different happening in the town.”

At the Orwell Quay was a market filled with around 30 stands of local and international delicacies from olives to jams, chutneys to cheeses.