THOUSANDS flocked Southend’s Chalkwell Park to celebrate the town’s culture.

The Festival of Southend took place over the weekend and was organised by Southend Carnival Events in celebration of Southend being the UK’s Alternative City of Culture, and in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the borough.

There were stalls from local producers offering food and drink, artisan craft stalls as well as live music.

Soslam, Peggy Sues music bar, Ten Green Bottles pub and the Railway Hotel in Southend came together to support the festival and local musicians.

Bands and musicians included Mo Fingers, Tall Tree Tales, Dexter Shaw and the Wolfe-Tones, Big Jacket, Emily Frith, Angel and the Melodyhorns, Killed by Ghost and Tallowah.

A second acoustic stage showcased Thames Estuary singer-songwriters with open mic slots available to the public.

For the little ones there were activities such as fairground rides, water conservation training, Disney’s Frozen characters, and bee-related craft classes run by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

The park was almost full to capacity with people enjoying the sunshine over the Bank Holiday weekend.

All money raised through the event will go to Mencap the Music Man project and Southend Carnival.