A THREE-DAY craft drinks festival that is set to feature a line-up of “big name acts” is coming to Southend next year.

The Lazydays Festival, which is organised by Mike Bromfield, Elliot Waters and Andy Williamson of WeCraft Events, is happening on July 26 to July 28 in Priory Park.

Spread out across four sessions, with two afternoon and three evening, there will be taste tests, cocktail making masterclasses, a showcase of the “finest” food stalls and star appearances, including Red Dwarf legend Craig Charles.

Echo: Legend - Craig CharlesLegend - Craig Charles (Image: WeCraft Events)

It comes as the trio submitted a council licencing application to sell alcohol throughout the weekend and entertainment from 5pm to 11pm on Friday, midday to 11pm on Saturday and midday to 6pm on Sunday last month.

Echo: Impression - what the Lazydays Festival could look likeImpression - what the Lazydays Festival could look like (Image: WeCraft Events)

Echo: Location - Priory ParkLocation - Priory Park (Image: Google Maps)

Derek Jarvis, Conservative councillor responsible for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “It’s fantastic news.

“People who come to Southend for a weekend normally do so for an event at the Cliffs Pavilion or the Palace Theatre, so it’s great they could come down for another reason.

“This event, like many others the city offers, will help drive more money to the economy, which is always welcomed.

“Priory Park is a wonderful place to have events because it’s such a beautiful setting and, of course, has plenty of car parking spaces.

“I wish the people behind the event the very best of luck.”

The festival will have of four sessions across the weekend - kicking off on Friday night, followed by two sessions on Saturday, and closing with an extended Sunday session.

Both daytime sessions are family-friendly and will feature activities including a children’s mocktail bar, providing entertainment for the whole family.

The music lineup is topped by some of the UK’s finest talent, including BBC 6music funk & soul DJ Craig Charles; indie rock band The Futureheads; BBC Radio 1xtra legend David Rodigan and 90s album charting Sleeper.

Echo: Star - David RodiganStar - David Rodigan (Image: WeCraft Events)

Echo: Band - The SleeperBand - The Sleeper (Image: WeCraft Events)

Echo: Group - The FutureheadsGroup - The Futureheads (Image: WeCraft Events)

Mike and Elliot previously played a part in organising the Leigh Folk Festival.

A spokesman for Lazydays said: “Ready yourself for a summertime party unlike any before.

“500 limited early bird tickets available online and 9,500 standard and package tickets released thereafter.”

For more information, visit: lazydaysfestival.com.