Boats of all shapes and sizes came to Woodbridge over the weekend to celebrate the town’s maritime heritage.

East Anglian Daily Times: Visitors enjoyed the Woodbridge Maritime Festival on the quayside. Guy Lown and Ian Kirkbride.Visitors enjoyed the Woodbridge Maritime Festival on the quayside. Guy Lown and Ian Kirkbride. (Image: Archant)

For many the star attraction at the Maritime Woodbridge event was the 45ft-long replica of the famous burial ship found at nearby Sutton Hoo.

The boat, known as Sae Wylfing was a hit with families and children as their plastic Anglo Saxon swords were wielded on board the vessel.

Peter Clay, chairman of the Riverside Trust and from Woodbridge Maritime, said there were plans to build a full-scale replica but the smaller version was impressive in its own right.

He said: “It was the centrepiece which is half the length at 45ft, so you imagine what 90ft would look like.

“There was a great amount of interest and it will be taken around schools.

“It has been insured to be displayed and to be on a trailer or launched.

“There were also things going on in the town with classic cars, talks and walks in Woodbridge.”

Vessels, including Thames barges and traditional boats, were all displayed over the weekend.

A lifeboat which is more than 100 years old, the William Riley, also featured.

The Woodbridge Riverside Trust is working on the regeneration of the old boatyard near the Tide Mill – known as the Whisstocks Project.

“Talking to the stall-holders – they say we had about the same number of people as before,” Mr Clay said.

Maritime Woodbridge is part of the national Heritage Open Days. It is the sixth time the free event has been held.