From swashbuckling pirates to sea shanty choirs and a huge, selfie-loving octopus, this year’s Maritime Festival has already seen tens of thousands set sail for the Ipswich Waterfront.

East Anglian Daily Times: Boats of all shapes and sizes formed part of the festival at the Waterfront Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSABoats of all shapes and sizes formed part of the festival at the Waterfront Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Bumper crowds - up to 75,000 people - are expected to attend the two-day extravaganza, which features a huge range of entertainment, from live music to artisan food stalls.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fishermen repairing nets - Ipswich has a long history as a working port Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAFishermen repairing nets - Ipswich has a long history as a working port Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Today, Orwell Quay has been packed out for a programme of live entertainment from local bands, curated by BBC Radio Suffolk's Stephen Foster, with the likes of Poppy Scarlett, Hot Tramp and Reb Capper gracing the stage.

East Anglian Daily Times: The view across Ipswich Waterfront which is hosting the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAThe view across Ipswich Waterfront which is hosting the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Former Ipswich mayor Sarah Barber, responsible for events at Ipswich Borough Council, said up to 75,000 people were expected to visit the festival over the weekend.

East Anglian Daily Times: A nautical visitor enjoys the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAA nautical visitor enjoys the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

"It's been a brilliant festival and a great day out," she said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Pam, Harriet, Mark and Daisy Wells enjoy a family day out at the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAPam, Harriet, Mark and Daisy Wells enjoy a family day out at the festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

"The festival is all about celebrating Ipswich's nautical links - it has a great history as a sea-faring town, but it is still a working port that employs many people and I think people sometimes forget that."

East Anglian Daily Times: Georgian saillors reflect the maritime history of Ipswich Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAGeorgian saillors reflect the maritime history of Ipswich Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Tonight, a fireworks display will light up skies along the Waterfront at approximately 9.45pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: Two young visitors learn about lifeboats Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSATwo young visitors learn about lifeboats Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Pictures and video snapped by our photographer today have captured all the action - can you spot yourself in our gallery?

East Anglian Daily Times: Event co-ordinator Olivia Grant at the Ipswich Martitime Festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSAEvent co-ordinator Olivia Grant at the Ipswich Martitime Festival Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA (Image: Archant)

Send your maritime-themed selfies and fireworks pictures/footage to us via email.- Interested in heading down to the Ipswich Maritime Festival? Here's your ultimate guide to what's on offer