A FEAST of fun for all the family takes place in Hartlepool when the Maritime Festival sets sail this weekend.

Attractions and entertainment in and around the Historic Quay are based on the theme of Voyages of Discovery.

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

There will also be extra drama in store as members of the Parachute Regiment drop in.

The action starts tomorrow, at 11.30am, with stiltwalkers and drummers parading from the bandstand in Maritime Avenue to the Historic Quay for the official opening.

At noon, an outdoor festival of music, ranging from blues, reggae and funk to jazz, folk, Latin and bhangra, includes the Snake Davis Band, Black Umfolosi and the Kip Heron Band.

On Sunday, there is a church service at 11am, next to the bandstand.

One of the big attractions will be the Levity, based on a jellyfish. It is an 800sq metre inflatable maze of tunnels in which people can lie back in capsules of colour and light.

There will be no parking at or around the Historic Quay, except for disabled badge holders, but there will be a free park-and-ride service operating from the B & Q car park in Brenda Road, from 11am to 8.30pm on Saturday and 11.30am to 6.30pm on Sunday.