IN PICTURES: Shoebury East Beach Festival day one complete

Yesterday, marked the first day of the two-day festival celebrating Caribbean culture with top DJs and artists.

Busy - East Beach Festival (Image: Gaz De Vere)

Hundreds of people flocked to the beach for the family-friendly, multicultural event to enjoy music, food, and dancing.

Performance - East Beach Festival (Image: Gaz De Vere)

The event launched for the first-time last year to mark Southend first year as a city, and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

Following its success, the event has returned again this year.

All smiles - East Beach Festival (Image: Gaz De Vere)

Day one, yesterday, was filled with electrifying performances, alongside a fun fair too.

Many of the visitors indulged in mouth-watering Jerk cuisine too.

The opening day kicked off with a selection of steel pan music. This was followed by Essex Got Talent at 1pm which showcased the county's emerging talent in action.

Jerk Queen - Taste of the Caribbean stall (Image: Newsquest)

Nyaka Chana and the Afro Fusion band performed from 2pm until 5pm, which was followed by Reggae by the Beach. 

Opening - Southend mayor Stephen Habermel (Image: Gaz De Vere)

Rugged and Baldy brought the first day to an end as they featured Dancehall hits with some of the top DJs.   

Today is now day two – the final day – of the popular festival. The gates open at 11am.

Guests will be able to reminisce the songs of Motown with Bobby Woods and friends from 12pm.

Foodbank - The Shoebury Ark (Image: Newsquest)

Dirty Den and Company Soul Sound will takeover the stage for the afternoon with some amazing artists performing neo soul and rave grooves. Dean "Da Funkiman" Alexander presents the party of the weekend with Gully B and guest DJs from 3pm.

Junior Giscombe, Kofi, Christine McNabb, Mike Anthony, alongside support artists, will host the epic finale concert Reggae by the Beach, bringing the huge event to a close.