STANFORD-le-Hope’s annual festivities played out over the weekend with glorious weather ensuring the weekend festival was a great success.

Saturday saw the Crooked Billet pub host the town’s music festival, with eight bands on the bill playing throughout the day.

East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe kicked off proceedings at 2pm, before Scooby, an Essex covers band, took to the stage.

Sax On Fire, Break for Cover, Beagles, Brothers Beyond Repair, No More Heroes and The Heaters then took to the stage before headline act Undercover, closed proceedings with thumping renditions of classic rock songs.

Sunday afternoon saw the town come out for its annual festival, which provided a day of fun for all the family.

Stalls lined Kings Street, which was closed by a lorry trailer that played host to various entertainers throughout the day, keeping the crowds who had flocked in their hundreds entertained.

The High Street was also closed, with a classic fire engine on display and a remake There were a number of bouncy castles to keep the kids entertained, as local dance troupes showcased their routines to residents. The Stanford-le-Hope ferret stall also attracted interest, with baby ferrets, also known as kits nestled together while the restless adults wriggled as passers-by stopped to stroke them.