A HOST of top attractions have been lined up to bring visitors flooding to Clacton seafront for the town’s first Sea and Beach Festival.

The two-day summer event will run on July 4 and 5, and is being launched by Tendring Council to boost tourists to the coast and revive Clacton’s heyday.

The line-up includes a steel band, 1920s group Casablanca Steps, Funky Voices choir, magician Danny Lee Grew, Punch and Judy, and James Magic balloon modelling.

There will also be stilt walkers, face painting and craft workshops, while Clacton Carnival Association is organising a beer dig and sandcastle competition.

There are two stages for live bands and a beach barbecue will sizzle on the seafront on both days.

Pleasure boat rides from West Beach on the Viking Saga have been confirmed and more sea-based activities are expected.

Council spokesman Nigel Brown said: “People seem to have really warmed to the idea and welcomed it.

“They see it as a return to the heyday of the town when the beaches were packed and there were regular boat trips from the beach.

“It is all about family and friends coming along and having fun together, enjoying the best of the traditional British seaside activities with a modern twist.”

Harwich Festival of Arts, Brightlingsea Regatta and the Clacton Relay for Life for Cancer Research UK take place on the same weekend.

Mr Brown said: “It should be a great couple of days in Tendring, with events to satisfy everybody.”