A SEAFRONT festival has been hailed a smash hit despite extreme weather conditions sending crowds running for cover.

Clacton’s second annual sea and beach festival brought crowds of more than 50,000 people swarming to the seafront over the weekend.

A top mix of entertainment was lined up for the event, including live music and kitesurfing displays.

The promenade was packed on Saturday morning before the area was hit by thunder, lightning and a torrential downpour.

But hardy fun seekers were rewarded with a day of sunshine on Sunday.

The festival was organised by Tendring Council and tourism boss Tanya Ferguson said the rain could not spoil the occasion.

“The council’s organising team and those who provided fantastic support over the weekend carried on regardless and made sure everyone had a good time,” she said.

“There were lots of happy smiling faces and that was what it was all about.

“Whether it was on the land or on the water there was so much going on and the festival goes from strength to strength.

“I can’t wait to see what we come up with next year – the aim is make it even bigger and better again.”

A line-up of bands, musicians, singers and DJs kept the show going on Saturday even as the rain hammered down.

Children were kept entertained at a storytelling tent, as well as enjoying Punch and Judy, science and magic shows.

Boat trips also took people out on the water, while the British Slalom Association for Kitesurfing, the British Kitesports Association and the British Stand-up Paddleboarding Association all put on displays.

Event director Ian Taylor said: “We had our marching band in the procession with around 150 people which got the whole weekend off to the perfect start.

“This is a festival which is growing and this year we spread from Clacton Pier right along to Martello Bay.

“Times of the events on the water had to change to suit the conditions but it all provided a real spectacle from the beach.

“Clacton came together to make this happen and our residents and visitors turned out in their droves to support it – you can’t ask for much more than that.”

Preparations have already started for next year’s festival.