Final plans are being put in place for a free live music festival across three differently themed weekends at Clacton Pier next month.
It will be the first time the event has been staged and if successful it could become a regular fixture on the calendar.
Clacton Live all gets underway on June 13 and 14 with a celebration of Reggae music with live bands and solo artists performing classics and crowd favourites from 1pm, ending at 8pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
A strong list of performers has been lined-up and will include artists from around London and the Essex areas.
Those appearing on the Saturday will be Blue Mountain, a five-piece band fronted by Christina Akasha, and Natural Right whose band members hail from Brighton, Reading and London.
One of the most sought after Reggae soloists, Mitchell Joseph, will also take to the stage.
The next day sees FYA, a four-piece band, Runaway Bay and Reggae Falls performing.
The theme on June 20 and 21 will be a Country music weekender with a Dolly Parton Tribute, John Batteny, Cherie Pierce, Bubba Bill, Lauren Smith AKA the Goth Cowgirl and Line Dancing with a DJ.
The final themed weekend on June 27 and 28 will feature Best of British with the full line-up to be announced later.
Pier General Manager Harry Peek said he is excited about the addition to the events diary for 2026.
“We have been looking to add a purely music event for some time to fill the June slot before the school summer holidays begin,” he said.
“This free to attend festival will have something to suit all music tastes and acts will be appearing on a specially constructed stage in front of the Boardwalk Bar and Grill.
“Food, including new specialist vendors, and drink will be available to ensure all those turning up have a great time over what we hope will be three sunny weekends.
“There’s no booking or tickets – just come along and have a great time.”
On Saturday (May 23) the pier will be taken over by a marauding, but not so scary, crew of buccaneers as Pirates Ahoy! begins its nine-day run over half term.
There will be free live 25 minute swashbuckling shows throughout each day in the Jolly Roger Theatre, a hunt for hidden treasure and pier mascot Sydney the Seagull will be out and about in his new pirate outfit to meet his young fans.
Laughing Bulldog Events will stage and choreograph the event for the pier and the shows will be aboard the Lubberly Jubberly in the theatre at the far end of the attraction with Seadog Sharkey and his motley crewmates.
They will enthrall as they spin the outrageous tale of how they stole treasure from Blackbeard and other amazing adventures on the Seven Seas.
Big Day Out Bands will be available with a 25 per cent discount if booked online more than 24 hours in advance of a visit.
Full details of Clacton Live and Pirates Ahoy can be found at www.clactonpier.co.uk
