An exciting festival is on the lookout for more talent to join ahead of a summer of performances. 

The Harwich festival will bring a weekly entertainment programme to the town centre, Cliff Park and other venues in the area between May to September. 

Every Saturday afternoon, there will be a new event, including music, theatre, poetry, dance and workshops, which will be free to join. 

The festival follows a successful bid from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Community Grant, which was obtained by Tendring Council. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Festival - Harwich festival is looking for local talent to join a summer of performances

Confirmed acts for the festival are the Harwich Village Band, the Dovercourt Ukulele Club, and the Quayside Harmony Group, alongside open jam sessions and an Essex Rock Promotions special event. 

Chris Berwick, general manager of the Harwich Festival, said: “We’re really excited to be able to bring these events to town and entertain the community with a wide variety of acts. 

“We want to get a balance of acts that have never performed locally and also tap into the already thriving local pool of talent in the area.”  

The art festival seeks to promote the arts in Harwich and the surrounding area by providing a diverse range of cultural activities.

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This includes, but is not exclusive to, music, theatre, visual arts, dance, film, comedy, heritage, crafts, public art, photography, and literature. 

In February, a survey was launched to help shape the future of the event and get community feedback involved.

Last year's event saw a touching tribute concert in memory of Darren Hambling, known as Rocky.

He sadly died on New Year's Eve 2022 and was playing in rock bands such as The Spiderz, Medicine and Chameleon, as well as in numerous combos of his big love, jazz.

A top line-up of north Essex musicians got together for this special charity event, raising money for the Mental Health Foundation.

Anyone interested in joining the festival can contact them via email at info@harwichfestival.com or come along to the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre to audition.