1. LEIGH MARITIME FESTIVAL 

The inaugural Leigh Maritime Festival will be held on Sunday 27th July in Leigh Old Town . This is a rebranding of the previously popular Fishing Festival last held in 2012 and whilst many of the features of this event remain, the new titled Festival will encompass a broader view of Estuary life.

The Festival begins at 11 a.m. and there will be a wealth of displays and exhibits to view throughout the Old Town of Leigh, along with photographic and art exhibitions as well as a variety of moored vessels.

At 11.30am the childrens’ entertainment kicks off with Pirate Party Hour on Strand Wharf, the designated ‘Kids’ Zone’, leading into Punch and Judy shows and Maritime Story Telling from Peter Monk.

There will also be a series of interest talks thoughout the Festival including ones from Greenwich Maritime Museum and local fisherman Paul Gilson.

A variety of musical entertainment is on offer, ranging from traditional acts such as the Hoy Shanty Crew, Yardarm Folk Orchestra and Cockleshell Clog on Bell Wharf to modern bands at The Ship and Peter Boat as part of their Maritime Music Festival. The Fishwives Choir will be appearing too.

2. RELAY FOR LIFE 

An inspirational festival of free local talent including everything from Cheerleaders to Illusionists in aid of Cancer Research UK and Southend Hospital's Cancer Unit.

Held at Garon Park, Southend, team members, many in fancy dress, take it in turns to walk round a track while everyone else enjoys a wide range of fun activities on offer. As Relay For Life is nonstop through the night, those team members not on the track take turns to rest, eat, or sleep in their tents, which are set up close by.

As dusk falls, the atmosphere quietens as the Candle of Hope ceremony begins. The event is the most poignant part of Relay for Life when specially made Candle of Hope bags - decorated with touching messages in memory or in celebration of loved ones - are filled with sand and lit up with candles around the track.

This is the sixth time Relay for Life has taken place in Southend on Sea.

3. ROSSI ICE CREAM WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

Rossi Ice Cream Eating World Record Attempt will be held at Garon Park, Southend, at 1pm. What's more it's free to get in and free Ice Cream! No age or ability restrictions apply.

All people who want to take part will need to register at www.rossirecordbreaker.co.uk.

4. T-FEST 

The Thurrock Festival sees 12,000 people go to the event over the weekend.

Between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday at Grays Beach Park, Thames Road, Grays, former X Factor stars Loveable Rogues and Lydia Lucy are performing on the main stage, as is Sweet Chix from Britain's Got Talent.

5. SALVATION ARMY FUNDAY

The Salvation Army in Leigh has arranged a family fun day and mini-market in Leigh Library Gardens on Saturday, July 26 from 11am to 4pm.

All the proceeds will be going to the Salvation Army annual appeal.

It has been arranged in connection with Leigh Town Council's Maritime Festival and so has a Maritime theme throughout. Children are encouraged to come dressed as pirates and will be rewarded with 'gold' coins throughout their time there. The pirate theme is followed through with the bouncy pirate ships and other varied activities.

The Mini-Market will sell home-made items from their bakery, preserves, art & crafts and gardening stalls.

There will be live entertainment throughout the day with a barbecue by the Leigh Lions, posh cream teas at the captains tables.

6. OPEN WEEKEND 

Stock Brook The Country Club in Queens Park Avenue, Stock, near Billericay, will be holding an open weekend this weekend. Free fitness classes and activities available. For more information, or to book, call 01277 650400 or go to www.stockbrook.com.

7. LIVING LANDSCAPES NATURE WALKS AT LANGDON HILLS 

The free Living Landscapes event, supported by Veolia, will take place at Langdon Hills on Saturday. Indoor/outdoor sessions walking about one mile or so each time. Meeting at 10am at the top car park. Prior booking essential via Rod Cole 01268 553149 or Sue Adams Langdon EWT centre 01268 419103.

8. ANNE BOLEYN BEACH PARTY 

A family funday will be held at the Anne Boleyn pub in Rochford to raise cash for a child. 

All money raised from the event on Saturday will go to Beth's Fund which was set up for a nine-year-old girl who is very unwell.  

There will be live entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting, BBQ, exotic animals, limbo,volleyball and much more.

People are invited to come in beachwear fancy dress. 

9. CYCLE RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE 

CTC (Cyclists' Touring Club) cycling group will be leading a leisurely ride at 9.15am on Saturday from Wickford's Market Café in Woodlands Road (SS12 0AW) to a cafe for 'elevensies'.

If you're busy, you can head back home - but some of the group usually go onto a countryside pub for lunch before heading home.

Further details: John Steer, 01702 529638 / segssec@btinternet.com Or visit: www.essexcycling.co.uk/seemg.htm.

10. LIVE MUSIC ON THE ROOF TERRACE

Southend's Esplanade pub will be hosting a free afternoon of live music from 2pm Sunday on the seafront. 

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