Families have been enjoying a wealth of free activities in Bury St Edmunds this weekend as part of the annual Whitsun Fayre.

Organised by the Business Improvement District (BID) group, Ourburystedmunds, the two-day event, which started today, draws thousands of people to the town.

Popular attractions include the beach, mini farm and flower and plant market. This year there are also new attractions at the Arc shopping centre, including the chance for children to get involved with circus skills and science experiments.

Ourburystedmunds chief executive, Mark Cordell, said: “We are really pleased with the turnout. We won’t know the figures until later in the week, but my gut feeling is there’s more people here than last year.”

He said it was lovely to see children, parents and grandparents all having a great time.

Also at the event was a Captain Jack Sparrow character mingling with the crowds, a Punch and Judy stall and a BID members’ market.

The fair continues tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.