THE St Osyth Summer Sounds festival has grown from one stage to six after a local man returned to his roots.
Martin Collins, 43, is a third generation St Osyth villager.
After spending many years planning festivals and other events around the UK, he brought his expertise to the St Osyth Summer Sounds festival.
The festival started on a smaller scale four years ago and has grown into a bustling family event, with a record-breaking 10,000 attendees this year.
Mr Collins said: "It's a privilege to bring the skills I learnt when I was away back to my hometown.
"I am so proud to see how the festival has grown over the past few years.
"Some people have told me it's the only festival they go to every year because it is right on their doorsteps.
"The priory is such a stunning sight and a beautiful venue for the festival."
In the earlier days of the festival, St Osyth Summer Sounds started out with just one stage.
It has now grown to six stages, with international bands, superstar chefs and a whole range of entertainment.
Mr Collins said: "We had six stages this year, two for music, two for food and the other for art installations and audience participation zones.
"This year's event was free, thanks to National Lottery Funding, so we knew there would be more people.
"We wanted to spread the audience out and offer different activities.
"We had a big core group camping outside the Sound Stage area for the music, and other attendees were milling about taking in the atmosphere."
The site also featured more than 40 stalls in the Eat, Shop and Discover market area, with a strong presence from Tendring-based traders, charities, and community groups.
"Community Volunteer Services Tendring provided us with 33 volunteers on both days - and they were like an absolute army," said Mr Collins.
"It was so important to have friendly faces of the local community as our volunteers.
"It was a very strong community-centred event."
Share