The month-long Burnham '99 Festival of Music and the Arts reached its grand finale last weekend, attracting some 600 visitors each day.

Youngsters took part in a youth showcase at Millfields, and a five-hour concert was given by blues and rock bands including local group Double Vision.

A community show included 22 acts on Sunday, and the weekend climaxed with a performance by the Hoax.

Festival committee co-ordinator Tim Aves said: "The idea of this festival is that it is a real community event which encourages everyone, particularly the youngsters, to get involved in music and the arts."

Other events during the last month have included concerts, plays and music workshops in schools.

Kevin Bassett and daughter Hayley.

... now for the Prom Fantasia

Last-minute preparations are under way for this weekend's long-awaited Maldon extravaganza -- Prom Fantasia '99.

The Marine Lake in the Promenade Park has been drained to allow for the erection of a domed stage, and security fencing and a marquee have been installed.

Maldon District council director of community services John Knight. said: "It is quite a major operation as the stage will project out into the lake area and cover part of the sea wall.

"Everything is going to plan and tickets are selling fast."

The lake will be refilled in time for the weekend.

Saturday night's entertainment, A Night of Pure Nostalgia, offers a journey through music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, with Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, the Rubettes and Leee John and Imagination.

To round off the night, the 90s will be represented in a spectacular finale techno show, taking the audience on a year by year step back through some of the most popular music of the past decade, including Bryan Adams, Madonna, Prodigy and Robbie Williams.

A cast of 50 dancers and performers will be choreographed into the massive spectacle with the fabulous revamped Son et Lumiere performance.

Sunday night's bill starts with local duo Essence, followed by a performance from Permanent Wave Barbershop Quartet.

The compere for the evening, BBC Essex presenter Dave Monk, looks sure to get the crowds waving those flags on Sunday night when the Calendar Concert Orchestra and Choir presents a programme of classical favourites including Rule Britannia , Land of Hope and Glory , and Jerusalem .

Both nights will end with a choreographed firework display and water fountains.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children on Saturday, £5 adults and £3 children on Sunday, or £10 adults and £5 children for the whole weekend.

Tickets are restricted to 8,000 for each evening, and credit card bookings can be made on 01621 854477.

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