The Lisa Von Lubeck will sail up the River Great Ouse and moor at Boal Quay for the Hanse Festival weekend, which begins on July 29 next year, and visitors will be allowed to go on board.

Visitors can also enjoy the sound of sea shanties and songs of the sea along the quayside as they sample the delights of street theatre, an open air food fair, puppet shows, storytelling, traditional maritime craft demonstrations, heritage walks and music from local bands.

West Norfolk Council's arts development officer Sheena Carmen said: "This is the beginnings of a really exciting festival, we are expecting many of our European partners to come over."

Music will also be top of the agenda for the event with the formation of a new Lynn community choir, which will give a performance on the opening night of the festival.

Winners of the first West Norfolk Young Musician of the Year competition, being launched in January, will also be invited to play in a showcase concert.

Letters are being sent to schools inviting youngsters to enter the competition, run by West Norfolk Arts Development in partnership with Pott Row-based McCready Music. Application forms will be also be available from Lynn Arts Centre and Corn Exchange.

Lynn was one of England's most important ports during the 14th and 15th centuries because of its links with a group of German ports which formed the Hanseatic League and controlled trade in the Baltic and North Sea.

Lynn became the only English member of the newly-formed modern Hanseatic League. For information about the choir, young musician competition or the Hanse Festival, contact Sheena Carman on 01553 779095 or 779093.