A village fair has been rekindled to celebrate the millennium.

Great Wakering is starting to gear up for a great day on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Fair committee chairman, Trevor Goodwin, said: "For those who remember the traditions from years gone by, you won't be disappointed by the promised events."

A number of new attractions will allow those attending to experience the thrill of a motorbike ride or test their nerve in the astrojet simulator.

Entertainment will also include line dancers and a battle of strength by tug of war teams.

For the children, there will be a fancy dress parade, face painting, Woody the one-man-band, bouncy castles and an obstacle course.

Other attractions include a classic car display, henna tattooing, gun dogs and an array of charity and craft stalls.

Live music will be on hand in the shape of the rhythm and blues band Receeders.

Trevor said: "I believe this millennium fair will equal, if not surpass, its reputation as being one of the most popular and successful fairs around.

"With a chance to win a car, a holiday and a television, to name but a few, August Bank Holiday promises to be a day of celebration."

The fair will be officially opened by Rochford and Southend East Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor at 11.30am, after a procession onto the recreation ground, led by the Southend Blue Jackets, which will leave Crouchman's Avenue at 11am.

Entrance is by programme only, which costs 50p if purchased before the day of the fair or £1 at the gate.

Posters will be on show around the area displaying the names of village shops which are selling the programmes.

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