FINAL preparations are under way for Dovercourt to host its first Beside the Seaside event.

The day of seaside entertainment was trialled in Clacton earlier this summer and proved to be a big hit with visitors.

The event will hold a host of entertainment throughout the day, with music set to be a major feature of what’s on offer.

The headline act is Monster Florence, who have recently featured on BBC’s Radio One Introducing, with their new single Anne Boleyn.

Supporting Monster Florence are F.O.X, who have also supported Depeche Mode on tour.

Beside the Seaside is also featuring some up and coming local bands including Leyline Pass, Elephant Jane, Hunt for Titans, and State of Millenia.

The Essex Rocks Stage is funded by Essex Community Foundation, Harwich Town Council, and Tendring Council.

Essex Rocks has recently begun to work in partnership with the Harwich Festival to promote and provide live music in Harwich, and have been promoting unsigned talent across Essex for the past ten years.

In the busking area, local artists are giving unplugged acoustic sets between 11am and 3pm and Elaine Thackeray is holding drumming workshops in the same area at 1pm and 2.30pm.

Mick Skeels, Tendring council cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said that he is excited by the line-up.

“It sounds like a very full fun-packed day with something for all ages to enjoy,” he added.

“There is a mixture of modern and good old-fashioned seaside entertainment on offer and I am sure it will be well-received.

“It promises to be a great day to follow on from the Clacton event.”

Peter Davis, artistic director of the Harwich Festival, said: ‘‘After Clacton we are looking forward to running Beside the Seaside on our own patch.”

Among other highlights of the day, there will be an old fashioned sports day held on the West End Beach from 11.30am to 2.30pm, a sandcastle competition from 11am, donkey rides, a bouncy castle, and crazy golf competitions The event takes place on Sunday, August 13 with the Essex Rocks stage set up on the Low Road Playing Field, close to Harwich Rugby Club.