MUSIC and ale lovers flocked to the coast for the ever popular Folk and Ale Festival.

The event was held at weekend from noon until 6pm in the Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier.

There was plenty of fun and entertainment including more than 20 performers who entertained the crowds.

The festival was held by Southend Council and the Hoy at Anchor Folk Club and was in aid of the Leigh Folk Festival.

The sun shone down during the weekend and revellers basked in the warm spring weather.

There were various musicians and musical groups among the performers, who took to the stage to wow the audience, who all really enjoyed the show...and of course there was plenty of ale to try.

Tony Prior, 68, one of the organisers of the event, said it was incredibly successful.

He added: “It went very well indeed.

“The brilliant weather on Saturday really helped to make the event even better.

“We had so many people who came down to the event, and everyone I spoke to said they had a wonderful time.

“It was such a party atmosphere and people were just getting up and spontaneously dancing and were really getting in to the spirit of the whole event.”