RESIDENTS are putting the bright back into Brightlingsea to help everyone cope with the dark winter months.

A two-weekend winter festival is taking place in the town and organisers hope it will bring sunshine into people’s lives.

This year’s event, which will be run from February 1 to February 12, is Brightlingsea’s third annual Winterfest and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

First launched in 2015, the event is the brain child of resident Alix Sheppard, who lost her partner Joe Keighley when the well-known musician from the band the Vipers ended his life after a long battle with depression.

Alix organised a first event in Joe’s memory and it was also aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues as well as raising funds for the mental health charity, Mid and North Essex Mind.

The festival has grown from having 1,500 attending to 2,000 last year and more expected this yer.

Similarly, the money raised increased from £2,000 in 2015 to £3,000 last year.

Alix, 40, is a public health specialist but she volunteers to organise the event, backed by a committee of other volunteers.

This year, a new attraction is the Spoken Word featuring comedy and storytelling on February 11.

Winterfest concludes on February 12 at 6pm with a repeat of the popular lantern parade from the community centre.

Alix said: “In addition to raising funds for Mind, Winterfest aims to give people an opportunity to get out, meet new people and try new things in the middle of winter.

“Arts and music brings people together to connect in different ways and brings a much needed boost to the economy of the town at this time of year.

“There is also plenty of evidence to suggest to show how getting involved in community events and participating in arts and music can contribute to better mental health.

“Winterfest shows what can happen when a community can come together.

“This year we have an organising team of 12 and more than 100 performers and artists. This is not just a festival to remember friends we have lost through depression, it is to show solidarity for people who are still suffering and to celebrate all that is good about our community.”

For further information contact Alix on 07708 705150 or email alix@healthtalks.org.uk. Further information can also be found at www.brightlingseawinterfest.co.uk