THOUSANDS of people danced along to live bands enjoying balmy summer evenings at an annual free music festival.

The Brightlingsea Free Musical Festival was staged at Hurst Green.

Families enjoyed a range of lives music and could also wander around stalls and enjoy a refreshing beverage at the bar.

People of all ages went to the festival which again offered a wide range of acts covering all genres.

Headline acts included The Sweeting Swing Band, The Future Shape of Sound and Brass Funkeys.

John Godfrey, who organised the festival, said it was another huge success.

He said: “We had about 2,000 people on the Saturday and another 1,500 on the Sunday.

“The weather was kind to us again, it was another great festival.

“There was a great turnout from the community.”

A lot of the organising is done by volunteers who live in the area and give up their time to support the festival.

John paid tribute to them adding: “The volunteers make this festival all the more special.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the residents for helping out and for everyone who came out to watch.”

To find out more about future festivals visit www.brightlingseafreefest.com.