Celebrations for the Harwich Festival have kicked off with a host of events.

This year's festival organisers tried to get more young people involved, which was reflected in many of the events.

Chairman of the festival committee Anna Rendell Knights, said: "The festival has got off to a good start and we have had a lot of young people involved."

The Kansas Festival Singers, from America, started the festival early at St Nicholas' Church.

The festival began in earnest with the Harwich and District Churches Together presentation of Pilgrims Progress at St Nicholas' Church.

Performing there were instrumentalists from three of the primary schools, circle dancers, the Howling Dog line dancing team and the jubilate singers.

At the park pavilion, the Latin dance band Escucha performed.

A packed day on Saturday included the eastern region handbell rally, a First Great Eastern balloon launch, the Louisiana Ribbon Kings jazz band, and a guided tour of Harwich.

First Great Eastern put on a display on St Helen's Green and a BBC Radio Essex roadshow was also there.

In a marquee on the green, there was musical entertainment from groups, including the Grange Co-operative singers.

About 160 people turned out for the strawberry tea at Alexandra House.

In the evening, the Tendring Caprice Orchestra and Grange Co-operative singers performed.

Yesterday (Sunday), St Nicholas' Church hosted a festival service attended by the mayor of Harwich Andy Morrison.

Mrs Rendell-Knights said: "It was lovely weather and the festival has gone well so far."

The festival will finish on Sunday with a performance of Wellington's Victory by Beethoven, with the Napoleonic Association accompanying the music in St Nicholas' Church.

For more information on the festival contact Anna Rendell Knights on 01255 880590, Pat Wall on 01255 554146, or Barbara Wells on 01255 502535.

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