THERE was fun for all the family at the launch of Suffolk’s first outdoor celebration of its historic coast.

The Woodwose Festival kicked off on Saturday on the village green at Westleton, near Leiston.

There was an action packed programme of activities including dancing, drumming, arts and crafts workshops, walks, wood carving and a tree dressing ceremony performed by local primary school children.

The festival - named after a mythical figure that appears in the artwork and literature of medieval Europe - was organised by Suffolk Coastal District Council and coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The fortnight-long event, which ends on Saturday, October 30, is the first outdoor celebration of the Suffolk coast and a number of activities have been planned throughout the district.

Joan Sennington, vice chairman of Suffolk Coastal District Council, officially opened the festival, which was funded through a Local Authority Business Grant Initiative

She said: “It was a lovely day. There was so much going on and a lot of enthusiasm.

“It marks the start of what promises to be a very exciting two weeks. There are all sorts of smashing events organised across the district and we really hope communities will get together and become involved.

“We very much hope the festival will be something people will pick up and run with so that we can make it an annual celebration.”

Many events are free of charge and full information is available at www.woodwose.org or from Aldeburgh and Felixstowe tourist information centres on 01728 453637 or 01394 276770.