TWO major water sports events will take place in Clacton this summer as part of the resort’s Sea and Beach Festival.

The British Slalom Association has confirmed that the top slalom racers from around the country – as well as international participants – will be in town for a stage of its National Slalom Series in Clacton on June 25 and 26.

A stand up paddle boarding event is being put on by the British SUP Association and is expected to attract the top competitors in the country.

A third waster sports event is also in the pipeline for the festival, which is taking place for a second time.

Nick Turner, cabinet member for seafronts, said that it is a major coup to attract major water sports events to the town.

“We have been negotiating this since last year’s festival finished with the aim to make it bigger and better with extra attractions,” he said.

“The Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding are already signed up and we are still waiting on the final details of a third which we hope to be able to announce soon.

“This will definitely bring some added excitement on the water and hopefully they can become annual events on the calendar.”

Mick Skeels, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and events, added: “We had fantastic crowds of around 50,000 on the first day of the festival last year and hopefully this will help us grow,” he added. “Not only will all the competitors be heading for Clacton that weekend but they will also bring all the fans and following that these sports attract.”

The area of beach being used for the 2016 festival will this year be extended to run from Clacton Pier up to and including Martello Beach and plans are also underway to bring back the Viking Saga and James Stevens to run boat trips.

A Battle of the Bands competition is being staged at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on May 15 to choose those to perform at the festival in June.

For more information contact Kai Aberdeen on 01255 686652.