THOUSANDS of people went on a voyage of discovery at the weekend at one of the region's biggest summer events - Hartlepool's Maritime Festival.

The two-day event started in style on Saturday with a procession of stilt walkers and drummers along Maritime Avenue.

Visitors then enjoyed a host of activities at the Historic Quay, including street theatre, history re-enactments, a world music stage and a colourful fireworks display.

Yesterday, the fun continued with maritime crafts, more music and the arrival of the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay.

Water-based activities included mock rescues by the coastguard and the RNLI, a walk-the-plank contest, water skiing displays, a flotilla of boats, jet-skiing and boat trips.

The festival's theme was Voyages of Discovery and one of the biggest attractions was Levity, a 800sq metre inflatable maze of tunnels, based on a jellyfish.