The success of a smash-hit seaside festival that lured record crowds with its dazzling array of circus, comedy and culture was down to its events team, a delighted organiser has said.

The Out There Festival, now in its 16th year, brought a breath of international talent to Great Yarmouth.

Numbers swelled to around 40,000 over the weekend of May 30 to June 1, despite challenging weather conditions.

Marcin Rodwell, communications and audience development manager, credited the success of this year's festival to the event's dedicated team.

Circus and arts festival in Great Yarmouth triumphs over challenges Circus and arts festival in Great Yarmouth triumphs over challenges (Image: James Bass)

He said: "We faced numerous challenges to the festival this year, where we are seeing funding for arts and culture diminish to zero in some cases.

"To be able to still produce the region's biggest outdoor arts and circus festival is such an incredible opportunity for the town and it’s thanks to our incredible team who work on the festival tirelessly throughout the year.”

The event saw around 40,000 visitors The event saw around 40,000 visitors (Image: Katherine Mager)

The range of performances from 34 artists across nine different countries included the final show of Mark and Sarah Copeland’s Insect Circus and Marisa Carnesky's theatrical show Showwomen.

The festival, unique to Great Yarmouth, offered something for everyone with more than 100 performances from circus tricks to Greek tragedy, topped off with a bingo-style comedy show.

There were many different types of theatre to see There were many different types of theatre to see (Image: Katherine Mager)

Joe Mackintosh, chief executive of Out There Arts, praised the resiliency of the festival despite harsh fundraising conditions.

 He said: "We still offered the biggest free festival in the region and pretty much the largest programme of circus in the UK.

Looking to the future, fans will be marking their calendars as next year's festival is set to run from May 28 to May 3, coinciding with half term and the grand opening of the historic Ice House.

It’s still to be decided if a programme for the additional Sunday will be added.