ORGANISERS of Jamaican beach festival have rushed to reassure residents after a number of objections were raised over noise and potential trouble.

The team behind the East Beach Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place in Shoebury this weekend, say they are working to ensure there is as little disruption as possible and are inviting worried residents to contact the team during the event.

The two-day festival will celebrate both Southend’s city status and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

Southend Council’s licensing committee will decide at a meeting tomorrow whether the East Beach Festival, can take place, following the 23 objections.

In an email to a resident association boss, Josephine Melville, coordinator of the East Beach Festival, said: “The Noir Rose Group and South Essex African Caribbean Association together with its delivery partners, will be working closely with the Southend Council and residents to ensure there is as little disruption to daily life as possible.

“The event promises to engage with everyone that lives, works and plays in our city.

“If you have any concerns during the festival and noise levels will be continually monitored, there will be a duty manager onsite, from Friday until Sunday.

“We are always open to suggestions for improvements.

“If you do wish to share your ideas regarding the festival, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Performers at the event include Omar, Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson, Paulette Tajah and the event hosts, will include actor Charles Venn from Casualty and other TV shows and actress and recording artist Lorna Gayle, known as Lorna G.

Peter Lovett, Shoebury Residents Association vice-chairman, has insisted residents must wait until the festival has happened and see if there are any issues or problems.

He said: “As far as I am concerned I think we’ve got to give it a chance. It’s been well-organised.

“I’ve spoken to the organisers who say the speakers will face the sea and I don’t think we can criticise it before it’s even taken place.

“I have said to our residents we need to wait until it’s finished and then see. We cannot keep moaning about things happening at the beach.”