A POPULAR seaside spectacle in Leigh will return this summer.

Residents have banded together to once again stage the Old Leigh Regatta, which organiser say will be “epic”. 

It is set to take place in September.

The organisers said: “The wait is over – the Old Leigh Regatta is back and it’s going to be epic. 

“Set your alarms and watch out for the date because September 2024 is when the magic happens. 

Echo: Plans - The Old Leigh Regatta

“Get ready for a day packed with sailing races, delicious food, and unbeatable seaside vibes.” 

Last year, Marcus Dean, a group events manager for the 3rd Chalkwell Bay Sea Scout Group, confirmed the event would be back after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Queen Elizabeth II's death put a halt to previous plans.

An increasing budget and other technical challenges delayed the return in 2023 but hopes were high that it would make a grand comeback this year. 

The community event was reportedly first held in 1880 and became an important event in the town's event calendar.

Keeping the heritage alive was extremely important to the new group of organisers.

A spokesman for the event said: "The Sea Scout Groups of Old Leigh have been overwhelmed by the many people that have come forward to offer their time and expertise to organise The Old Leigh Regatta.

"I am really pleased with the progress we are making so far; we have achieved a lot in such a short space of time but there is still an awful lot to do.

"We are all keeping our fingers crossed that Southend City Council will support us as much as they can, and that members of the community will step forward to assist in stewarding this much-loved event.

"We have a lot more to share, and when the time is right we will spread the word.

"In the meantime, I’d encourage people to like and follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep up to date with our progress."

A specific date for the seaside spectacle, which raises money for two sea scout groups is yet to be announced.