IT'S the end of a long week and we're all looking forward to the weekend. So we've put together a list of ten things to do in Essex this weekend. 

If you have any other suggestions, please comment below. 

1. Southend pop-up vintage market 

Southend Pop-up Vintage Market brings together local lovers of vintage and vintage inspired wares. It will be held on Saturday at the Southend Conservative Club in Clarence Street, Southend, from 10.30am until 4pm. 

2. Chelmsford Antiques & Collectors Fair

Items sold include stamps, coins, ephemera, china, glass, pottery, postcards, trade cards, and lots more. It will be held on Sunday at Chelmsford City Football club, Salerno Way, off Melbourne Avenue, from 9.30am until 4pm.

3. Maldon Promenade Parkrun 

This free, timed, 5km run will take place at Promenade Park, Maldon, at 9am Saturday. Runners are asked to register online first at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/register.

4. Free Family Saturday

Firstsite in Colchester is hosting the family activity with a firstsite artist and a different theme each week. It's entirely free and you can stay for as little or as long as you like. Sessions run from 11am – 1pm and 2 - 4pm.

5. St. Luke’s Hospice Vintage Spectacular

Fair with clothing and collectables - everything 40's, 50's and the bygone days. It runs from 10am-4pm at the Basildon Sports Centre, Nethermayne, Basildon, on Sunday. 

6. Sketch Along

Artists are invited to meet at 11am outside Cake at the Lake Central Park, Chelmsford, on Sunday, to draw in a group. For more information go to www.facebook.com/pages/Sketch-along/394067724103813?fref=ts

7. Chappel Winter Beer Festival

One of our favourites the Chappel Winter Beer Festival at the East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel, takes place from Friday 27th February 2015 – Saturday 28th February 2015, 11am – 11pm both days.

Held in the Goods Shed, a smaller version of the big September beerfest. Evenings are ticketed and they do sell out quickly, so get yours soon! Lots of lovely beer, but wrap up warm, it can be chilly in the goods shed.

8. Wivenhoe Society Riverbank Spring Cleanup

If you want to help improve the community this Sunday, then head to Wivenhoe to help with a spring riverbank cleanup. Meet at Wivenhoe Railway Station carpark at 10am.

9. Ford Car Show 

The Old Garrison pub in Campfield Road, Shoebury, is holding a charity event on Sunday (1-3) from noon to 6pm.
The Ford Car Show event will feature a wide range of cars, including American models and British customised cars.
The event, which also features car washes for £10 and a raffle, will raise funds for Help for Heroes.

10. Sunday stroll through High Woods Country Park

A three mile Ranger led walk through the Country Park on varying terrain. 
Meet at the Visitor Centre, off Turner Road, Colchester at 11am. Free tea and coffee afterwards. No need to book.

For more details and information telephone 01206 853588, email countryside@colchester.gov.uk or visit www.colchester.gov.uk/article/11801/Walking-for-Health