THOUSANDS of people turned out for this year’s Castle Point Show.

Crowds packed Canvey’s Waterside Farm Showground to sample a wide array of activities, entertaining stalls and colourful displays.

With live tribute bands and DJs on stage, dancing performances, marching bands, a football tournament and a classic car display, plus a host of other fun activities, there was something for everyone.

The free family day, now in its 19th year, was organised by Castle Point Council.

Council leader Pam Challis said: “I was really lovely so many people turned out to support the show because councillors and staff work very hard to put it on.

“This is our opportunity to illustrate some of the things we do and its also a chance for voluntary groups and organisations to show the pubic what they do.”

Castle Point’s new mayor Cliff Brunt said: “There was an excellent turn out. I was great to see so many different stalls and exhibits.”

Benfleet Operatic Society was one of the many local groups with a stall at the show.

Emma Mitchell, 36, her brother, Tom, 28, who is also chairman of the society, and mum Jackie Newman, 63, who is the producer, were there to promote the society’s forthcoming production of Oklahoma, and its charity gala night.

Mrs Newman said: “We held a treasure hunt to raise money for the mayor’s charities and the event also gave us the chance to promote Oklahoma, which we will be putting on in October.”

For those feeling energetic, there was a climbing wall to scale, run by the Essex Association of Boys’ Clubs.

Gerry Smith, from the association, said: “The wall went down very well. It was something challenging for the kids to do.”

Firefighters and police officers were also on hand to offer advice.