A three-day bank holiday extravaganza on Southend Pier has been cut short as bosses have been forced to cancel today's performances.

The sun shone on Southend Pier as hundreds of revellers enjoyed the first two days of the attraction's huge event full of music, cocktails and dancing.

A favourite from Leigh, the Dusty Peddlers four-piece group were due to perform foot-stomping country, folk and rock 'n' roll music today.

However, today's festivities had to be cancelled as rain hit the city.

A Southend Pier and Railway spokesman said: "Unfortunately we have had to cancel today's performances of The Big Bank Holiday Weekend due to the rain.

"Apologies for any inconvenience."

The Dusty Peddlers were set to be joined by Stewart H, the resident DJ at the Essex-based radio station Funky SX, who would also fill the pier with funky beats.

Over the weekend, the Offshore Restaurant at the top of the pier had been a hotspot for visitors to enjoy artisan gin and rum cocktails.

Announcing the event last week, Mark Harvey, executive director for adults and communities at Southend Council, said: “Following our prestigious Pier of the Year award last year, which saw us triumph over the likes of Brighton Pier and Cromer Pier, we have kept the momentum going, delivering an exciting mix of events for all ages on our pier.

“These events are key in drawing new visitors to our pier as well as providing great entertainment for our residents, and there’s plenty more in store over the coming months.”