CROWDS of people got crafty at an arts and music festival to raise money for a mental health charity.

Brightlingsea Winterfest supports Mid and North East Essex Mind and this is the third Winterfest it has hosted.

A range of arts and music events including live band performances, art workshops and wellbeing stalls have been held across the month and there is still two weeks to go.

A wellbeing day was held over the weekend, and was a huge success with more than 1,000 people attending.

Alix Sheppard, one of the organisers of WinterFest, said: “When we started WinterFest in 2014, we had no idea of how people would feel about a festival in winter, never mind one which proposed to celebrate mental health – still a taboo subject for many.

“Every year, more and more people get involved, to volunteer, perform or to attend- and this is a true measure of success.”

The wellbeing day was held at Brightlingsea Community Centre included face painting, tombola, advice stalls, and wellbeing workshops.

Money raised at the event will go to the charity.

So far the Winterfest has raised about £3,000.

To find out about upcoming events click here