SEA festival organisers have thanked the community for turning out to the event despite the bad weather.

The festival, organised by the Harwich Rotary Club, was held on Sunday.

But heavy rainfall and high winds meant on-sea displays had to be cancelled and stallholders were not able to keep their stock dry or gazebos up.

Rotarian and festival organiser

Norman Cory said: “It was very disappointing.

“The weather started off pretty bad and didn’t get better.

“A lot of the gazebos were torn apart and a lot of stallholders just couldn’t stay unfortunately.

“After all the sunshine we’ve had, it was such a disappointment, especially for the hard work that has been put in.

“It wasn’t just the rain in the morning, it was the long-term forecast - it got better but the damage was done.

“But more than we expected came along in the afternoon to support us.

“It was heartening people came put for us, despite the weather.”

Money raised from the sea festival goes to charity, so the rotary club is hoping to run it’s fundraising tombola stall at the upcoming Motorcycle Run and Fun Day next month.

The popular duck race had to be cancelled and will be reorganised as soon as possible.

Mr Cory added: “I’m sure next year will be much better.”