THOUSANDS of people flocked to a summer fair celebrating community harmony and diversity.

The Big Event, organised by the Southend Community in Harmony Partnership, brought residents together to promote and share their different cultures and heritage.

The event, held at Southend High School for Boys, saw visitors of all ages enjoy entertainment including music, dance, and children’s activities.

John Barber, event co-ordinator for the partnership, said: “It went very well.

“It was a really colourful day with lots going on. People seemed to enter into the spirit of it all, which was great. We were really happy with the way people interacted.”

As well as entertainment, representatives from nearly 100 charities and support groups exhibited at the free event to promote their work and the facilities they offer.

Mr Barber said: “There is an objective behind the day, because we want all the different organisations that work within the community to showcase what they do so people can find out more.”

The event, now in its sixth year, is the main event run by the partnership, which was set up in 2002 by Essex Police and the Trust Links Growing Together mental health project to celebrate diversity and encourage tolerance.

Mr Barber said: “What we are about is bringing communities together and the event certainly did that.

“My highlight was seeing people from different backgrounds getting on with each other, because that is what the day was all about.”