THE Party on the Square brought out the shining stars of Tendring for a variety show with its biggest line-up yet.

More than ten acts set the stage alight at the second annual warm-up event for Clacton's Beside the Seaside.

Passersby felt the sounds of Ronnie-s-dj who kept the vibe alive in between performances from the likes of Clacton County High School's Made in Dagenham - The Musical cast, Clacton Ukuleles, Jem Mitchell and Bill Zimmer.

One of the highlights was the cast of All Shook Up from Clacton Musical Theatre Society who will enjoy a short run at the Princes Theatre from today until Saturday.

Up to 400 people piled into Clacton town centre for the party, organised by Clacton Town Partnership (CTP).

Chairman Graham Webb said the CTP could not have asked for a better day.

He said: "It went superbly and all the performances were excellent. We reckon more people might have attended if it wasn't so hot because to stand up all day in the sun is a big ask.

"All Shook Up were dynamite and trio Clean Slate put on a stellar performance. They had an easy going set featuring a few Beatle songs and did a splendid remix of Ralph McTell's Streets of London but changed it to Clacton.

"Although it was an emotional song, it was relative to what's going on elsewhere in the country.

"Dance House Academy are extremely talented. I was so impressed by the amount of noise their tap shoes made on the concrete - it was really powerful."

The CTP hosts between four and six events each year with the aim being to put Clacton on the map.

Last year the Party on the Square lasted two days but the committee chose to downsize so they could polish the event.

Graham added: "People enjoying themselves helps to showcase Clacton in a more positive light and hopefully increase footfall to the town.

"Members of the public who walked past were quite gobsmacked when they saw everything which was happening so we were hopeful we'd put people in the mood for the Beach festival."