A FORMER EastEnders actor is set to host a new two-day Jamaican festival on a Shoebury beach.

East Beach Festival will come to the seafront on August 13 and 14 and will be hosted by Charles Venn who has also starred in Casulty.

The festival will celebrate Southend’s City status and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

There will be a Jamaican market, reggae acts and acts already announced include performers such as actress and singer Lorne Gayle.

Businesses and councillors are pleased to see the planning event coming to the town.

Stephan Belot, 55, manager at the Shoebury Hotel said: “We are happy about it and it’s good to see events like this coming to Shoebury.

“We have a great beach here and our hotel is not far from it so we are hoping people will walk over and have a meal and a drink here.

“I have heard there could be up to 5,000 people coming to the event and I think it will be popular.

“I think we need more events like this coming to Shoebury.”

Other acts at the festival include singers and performers, Omar, Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Paulette Tajah, Legends Band. The event will open with a ceremonial event with live performances, a ribbon cutting and chance to remember those that have passed over the last couple years.

Steven Wakefield, Independent councillor for Shoebury, said: “I think it sounds like a great event. We are a multicultural society and there should be chance to celebrate that.

“I think residents will enjoy it and I am pleased to see the spotlight shone on our part of the borough for a change as we have so much to offer and East Beach is lovely.

“I also think it will help stimulate the economy and it will be good for businesses and the high street. It will help draw people to the area.

“I think it would be nice for it to become a regular event but will would need to talk to the residents living near to the beach.”

On the second day, there will be the Sunday Best performances focussing on a soulful and gospel music show.