FAMILY ties and family fun are promised as Brightlingsea celebrates its ANZAC Centenary Weekend.

A weekend of free events mark the occasion when the town was host to up to 10,000 Australia and New Zealand forces personnel during the First World War.

Saturday sees an Australian-themed carnival at the Recreation Ground in Regent Road from 1pm to 7pm.

Attractions include a procession featuring Army, Sea and RAF Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Army vehicles, Help for Heroes, the Invicta Foundation and the Soldiers' Charity.

There will also be live music with the Essex Yeomanry Band, Sing Brightlingsea Choir, Band of Pipes and Drums, Band of the Church Lads & Church Girls, Contraband, plus musicians Holmes and Bond and Carrie’s Street Dancers.

There will also be food stalls but people can bring their own picnics.

Sunday's activities start at 11.30am with a short service of commemoration at Brightlingsea War Memorial.

Confirmed guests include the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the High Sheriff of Essex, the Chair of Essex County Council, the Assistant Defence Advisor for the Australian High Commission and the Defence Advisor for the New Zealand High Commission, the Commander of Colchester Garrison, the Military Chaplain to the Royal Logistic Corps, Colchester and other Brightlingsea clergy.

Other military groups and council officials will also be present.

There will also be a contingent of First World War re-enactors from the East Essex Aviation Museum at Point Clear.

From 2pm to 7pm there is be a match between Brightlingsea Cricket Club and the Australia House Cricket Club. Food will also be available and people can bring picnics.