After all the preparation and planning, Thetford Festival finally got up and running last Friday.

The bumper arts, culture and entertainment bonanza got off to a flier with the launch of the Charles Burrell Museum Art Exhibition and the “Designer Deer” competition.

Stuart Wright, mayor of Thetford, was on hand at the events and along with Chris Kennard, of the Shadwell Estate, Andrea Long, from Simon Long Removals, and Gez Chetal, of the Thomas Paine Hotel, helped judge the deer painting competition.

Four student winners were given £100 to spend on art supplies after painting the full-size model deers in a style of their own creation.

The names of the winners will be revealed at the end of the exhibition on September 7.

Later at King’s House, the lady mayoress, Denise Wright, judged the schools competition, with Raleigh Infant School and Nursery scooping first prize with its “Rainbow” design.

The deer will be placed around the town during the festival.

The packed festival schedule continues apace, with a night market set to go ahead on Friday night from 5.30pm, including music and a range of stalls and activities.

On Saturday, a Family Fun Day and 5-a-side tournament will take place, with a dog show and mini town crier competition scheduled. The event takes place on Melford Common from 11am to 4pm

The Thetford Players will also be supporting the event, with cast and crew members running two competitions and giving out information on its upcoming productions.

The Market Square will take on a 1940’s feel on Sunday, with Jones’s Van Street Party taking place. Classic vehicles and vintage entertainment will be on show from 1pm until 4pm.

For full details, go to www.thetfordfestival.org.uk and buy tickets through the Leaping Hare box office on 01842 751975 or 07802 701911.