It was a scene that would have amazed one of Leicester's most famous sons – the official naming of a public square in his honour.

The area in front of Curve, the city's new £61 million theatre, was officially unveiled as Orton Square on Saturday in tribute to renowned playwright Joe Orton, who was born and raised on the city's Saffron Lane estate.

The event was part of a weekend of celebrations to mark Curve opening to the public for two days so they could have a look round ahead of the official launch on November 15.

Joe's sister, Leonie Orton-Barnett, unveiled the square's name sign.

Ms Orton-Barnett, who lived in Leicestershire until recently, but is now in Norfolk, said she was proud of the recognition her brother had received.

She said: "It's an absolutely fabulous gesture and couldn't be a more perfect location to put it. Curve looks stunning.

"Joe would have been amazed that so much fuss was being made over him, but I think it's a testament to how relevant his work still is that people are still putting his plays on.

"I hope, one day, one of his shows takes place at Curve."

Joe was born in the city in 1933. He won a scholarship to London's famous Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) in 1951. In the 1960s, he became one of the greatest and most controversial names in British theatre.

His first stage play, Entertaining Mr Sloane, was a huge success, while his second, Loot, won the coveted Evening Standard award for Best Play and the Plays and Players' critics' award in January 1967.

In August 1967, when Joe was at the height of his fame, he was murdered by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, who then killed himself.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick, city council spokesman for regeneration and transport, said: "The sign will be one element of the connection with Joe.

"Over the coming weeks and months, we plan to have some kind of artistic work here.

"Joe showed to people that, if you are prepared to work hard enough, and you have a talent, you can achieve anything.

"Hopefully, this will also act as an inspiration to other young people in Leicester."

People who visited Orton Square on Saturday and yesterday were treated to a host of entertainers, including stilt walkers and dancers.

The activities were part of the gala weekend to celebrate Curve being open to the public for the first time. Over the two days, about 4,500 people were given tours of the theatre.

Among them was James Paterson, of Rowley Fields, Leicester, who went along with his wife and two children.

He said: "It was very impressive. The amazing thing is the scale of the place. I can't wait to see what it's like when it opens properly."

Sarah Blunt, from Dane Hills, Leicester, said: "It was amazing."

A series of performances, called Lift-Off, will run at Curve from November 11 to 16 to help people get to know the theatre.