A HUGE beach festival celebrating Caribbean culture with music, food, and dancing is set to return for a third year as plans have been revealed.

The two-day Shoebury East Beach festival celebrating Caribbean culture with top DJs and artists was launched in 2022 to mark Southend's first year as a city, and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

It has since become an annual event, with the family-friendly festival set to return again this summer as organisers have submitted an application to Southend Council for an events licence.

The Echo understands the festival is planned to take place on August 17 and 18, and bosses will work with Shoebury Residents Association again this year to ensure residents' views are considered.

The proposals submitted to the council include the sale of food and alcohol during the event and an additional 20 toilets on site.

Organisers also plan to use Veolia, as in previous years, to look after the waste management.

Hundreds of people flocked to the beach last year to enjoy the electrifying performances, mouth-watering Jerk cuisine alongside a fun fair too.

The first event was organised by beloved actress and fierce champion of the arts scene Josephine Melville, who tragically passed away backstage after performing in a play in late 2022.