MORE than a dozen acts brought a dazzling mix of entertainment along Brightlingsea’s waterfront.

It came as part of the town’s WinterFest celebrations, which aim to banish the winter blues through a month-long itinerary of uplifting events.

The Acoustic Music Sessions by The Sea, hosted at The Waterfront, in Brightlingsea Marina, provided entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

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WinterFest co-founder Dave Griffiths organised the sessions at The Waterfront, along with musician and WinterFest volunteer Jevon Ellis.

Mr Griffiths said: “We were delighted to offer great entertainment from a collection of musicians, all from within a ten mile radius.

“The response was fantastic and we had an enthusiastic audience throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

“The combination of wonderful music, coffee, wine and fabulous food at a lovely location made it a superb attraction.

“It was our second music event for WinterFest with several more to come, ranging from a rum and reggae night through to an online lives treamed concert by Brightlingsea-based blues stars When Rivers Meet.”

Among those on the bill at The Waterfront were The Jentones, Jennie Suzanne Venus and Tony Woodley, a popular Clacton duo, who are both singer songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.

Brightlingsea’s much-loved “singing cabbie” Neil Carlyle also made an appearance.

Rounding off the event and topping the bill was Sarah Louise, a contemporary country singer, backed by guitarist Steve Miller. Sarah Louise has recently released her third originals album, Sunflower.

As well as a range of music events, the trailblazing festival’s forthcoming attractions include a walking football demonstration at Brightlingsea Regent FC, an accredited mental wellbeing training session and an afternoon with poets Martin Newell and Leon Helsby.

The annual festival of music, arts and spoken word was launched in 2015 to offer support in the dark winter months and since then has gone from strength to strength.

It is normally held in January and February but this year, due to the uncertainties surrounding Covid, it was moved on a month to run throughout March.