BOAT races, historic shipwreck artefacts and end-of-the-pier entertainment are expected to attract crowds to a maritime festival.

Thousands of people are expected in Old Leigh for the second Leigh Maritime Festival on Sunday.

The festival, which celebrates the old town’s seafaring heritage, will include fun for all the family.

Organiser Helen Symmons, who is the town council’s events officer, said: “It’s already grown from what it was last year with more participants and new features that make it more accessible for people less interested in the maritime elements.

“Hopefully it will have a community and holiday atmosphere.”

The Lower Thames Rowing Club’s annual pier race will set off from Bell Wharf at 2pm.

A variety of boats will complete the eight-mile race to Southend Pier and back with a sprint finished expected at about 3.30pm.

Deckchairs will be set out on Victoria Wharf for traditional seaside entertainment from Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society, Outloud Productions and Ami Hawthorne.

The Yardarm Folk Orchestra and the Hoy Shanty Crew will also perform.

Artefacts from the wreck of the London, which sunk off Southend Pier in 1665, will be on show, as well as displays from local artists and groups who work to keep the estuary alive today.

Children are invited to come in maritime fancy dress for entertainment on Strand Wharf and the Rotary Club is organising a crab fishing contest.

Mrs Symmons said: “It’s important to celebrate our heritage from the fishing and cockling industries.”

An Italian food market will be held on the Foundry Car Park and the Peterboat and Crooked Billet pubs will host live music.

The High Street will be closed to traffic from 10am.

The former Leigh Fishing Festival was revamped as the Maritime Festival, last year.