A MUSIC festival hoping to attract 8,000 people is coming to Thurrock - and big names are being promised.

The first ever Essex Fest is being held on the Orsett Showground next July.

It is likely to be on a similar scale to Brownstock Festival, near South Woodham Ferrers, which attracted a record 6,000 revellers this year.

But camping will not be available at the new festival.

Organiser PIPA, which is a young, social enterprise which works closely with local government agencies and uses music to create awareness of social issues affecting local communities, promise to bring big names and emerging acts to Thurrock over the course of the weekend beginning July 19.

It is hoped the festival, which will also be raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, can become an annual fixture in Thurrock’s entertainment calendar.

Performers are set to be announced in the new year, with early bird tickets going on sale on Wednesday, December 11.

Milford Parker, the founder of Essex Fest and promoter PIPA, said: “Essexfest will benefit everyone. With over 8,000 festival goers of all ages in attendance, local businesses will benefit.

“We also get to fundraise for Prostate Cancer UK whilst at the same time bringing some of the biggest names in music to Thurrock for all to enjoy.”

To buy tickets, go to www.essexfest.co.uk.