TAKE in sea shanties in Leigh’s historic Old Town for the Shanty Festival and Regatta.

The location could not be more fitting, nestled in the culturally rich fishing town.

The festivities are set to take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.

Tony Prior, event organiser, said: “The Shanty Festival and Regatta are going ahead and it promises to be a great weekend. It is the first time we will have had a Regatta since lockdown so come and join us for a fun, family friendly time.”

Shanty Festival, 10 September, from 12pm to 7pm.

Old Leigh will burst into life with music as The Shanty Festival kicks off at the event hosted by The Lions Club of Leigh with help from The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club.

There will be stages at Billet Wharf, Strand Wharf, The Smack and The Mayflower with impromptu singing from The Cocklesheds.

Music acts include: The Hoy Shanty Crew, The Hogeye Men, The Motley Crew, PDQ and The Long Run and more.

There will be a finale at Strand Wharf at 6pm.

Live music at Ye Olde Smack includes: 12pm: Hoolies, 1pm: Captain, Morgan’s Rum Do, 2pm: Silver Darlings, 3pm: The Motley Crew, 4pm: Mains’l Haul crew, 5pm: Freddie’s Barnet.

The Old Leigh Regatta, Sunday 11 September, from 11am to 6pm.

The whole family can enjoy the fun-packed Regatta, hosted by The Lions Club of Leigh assisted by Scouts from 3rd Chalkwell Bay and 4th and 6th Leigh.

There will Punch and Judy, face painting, an art competition for the children. The scouts will run a Krazy kitchen, welly hoying, tug-o-war, sedan chair race, marsh race, banana and cockle eating competitions.

The Hoy Shanty Crew and The Silver Darlings will be performing on board the Endeavour at 1pm.

There will be a real ale bar on Strand Wharf and family entertainment on Billet Wharf, Strand Wharf, Victoria Wharf and The Mayflower Acts include Cockleshell Clog, Random Folk, The Ondines, Emerald Hill, The Famous Potatoes, Arfur Do and The Toe Rags and more.

Acess free parking on Sunday behind Leigh Station courtesy of C2C, parking for Southend Blue Badge holders on Belton Bridge.

Visit www.leighlions.co.uk for details.