Final preparations are under way for a traditional sea festival.

The Harwich Sea Shanty festival, now in its second year, promises to be bigger and better after Essex County Council gave £2,500.

The money has allowed the festival to have extra venues and entertainment, which will be based around the old port area of Harwich.

This will include the Maritime Museum, the quay, the sailing club, the Electric Palace, the 1912 Centre, and local pubs.

Singers from Denmark and the Netherlands are crossing the water to give this year's festival a more international feel.

The Essex barge Victor will also be visiting the town for the weekend.

On Friday the fun starts at the 1912 Centre from 5pm.

There will be an evening meal at 7.30pm, costing £5 per head.

At 9pm there will be a nautical magic lantern show with performers Charlotte and Spong at the Harwich Town sailing club. It costs £5 per head.

A singaround session, led by Mick Verrier from 8pm, at the New Bell Inn, follows.

From Saturday lunchtime there will be performances from various artists including the Golden Rivets, Buitenboord and Stork, running throughout the afternoon at various venues. In the evening, meals take place at the 1912 Centre, at £5 per head.

There is also a concert in Harwich Town Yacht Club from 7.30pm.

On the Sunday, breakfast is being hosted again, along with various performances throughout the day.

For more details, call 01255 674889.