AN estimated 5,000 people turned up to dance, sing and have fun in the sun at Southend's first East Beach Festival held over two days at the weekend.

The family friendly festival, which celebrated Caribbean culture with music, food and dancing, was held to mark both Southend's first year as a city and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

Organiser Josephine Melville said after the event she was thrilled with the feedback. She said: "The response has been so positive.

"It was so wonderful to see all the generations coming together to have this wonderful time, from small children to grandmothers and grandfathers, and wow - didn't we all need it?

"People keep saying we need to do it again."

Helen Shine from Southend is a stalwart volunteer who helps out at most community events.

She said: "I helped out at the festival all weekend.

"Great music, great vibe... lovely people, lovely atmosphere!

"From opening with the choir and dance troop through to the DJs and artists... the whole event went well.

"Everyone said they enjoyed it and want it to come back next year.

"Hats off to everyone! The organisers, volunteers, Veolia staff on site and Stambridge Security boys and girls who worked their socks off in the heat.

"But was all worth it as the whole community came together to celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence and Southend becoming a city.

"A lovely multicultural celebration. It was awesome!"