THOUSANDS of people danced along to live bands at an annual free music festival.

The Brightlingsea Free Musical Festival took place at the town’s Hurst Green this year.

As well as listening to the live music families could wander around stalls, refresh themselves at the bar or watch other kinds of entertainment.

People of all ages joined in the fun and a wide range of acts covering all genres performed across the weekend.

Headline acts included The Sweeting Swing Band, The Future Shape of Sound and Brass Funkeys.

John Godfrey, who organised the event, said it was another huge success.

He said: “We had about 2,000 people on the Saturday and another 1,500 on the Sunday.

“The weather was kind to us again, it was another great festival. There was a great turnout from the community.”

A lot of the organising is done by volunteers who live in the area and give up their time to support the festival.

Mr Godfrey added: “The volunteers make this festival all the more special.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the residents for helping out and for everyone who came out to watch.”

To find out more about the popular free music festival visit the event’s website at brightlingseafreefest.com.