THE boss of a new craft drinks and music festival is “over the moon” and thankful to the people of Southend as the three-day event draws to a close.

Mike Bromfield, 33, of WeCraft Events, co-organised this year’s debut Lazydays Festival in Southend's Priory Park with colleagues Elliot Waters and Andy Wiliamson.

The Lazydays Festival officially kicked off on Friday and is concluding tonight, July 28.

The festival has been spread out across four sessions, with two in the afternoon and two evening sessions.

Delighted - Lazydays Festival bosses Mike Bromfield, Elliot Waters and Andy Wiliamson brewing the festival beer Lazy HazeDelighted - Lazydays Festival bosses Mike Bromfield, Elliot Waters and Andy Wiliamson brewing the festival beer Lazy Haze (Image: PR)

Visitors have been able to enjoy taste tests, cocktail making masterclasses, a showcase of the 'finest' food stalls and live music.

Red Dwarf legend Craig Charles headlined the festival on Friday night.

The Cuban Brothers, Mystery Jets, the Hoosiers, Sundara Karma, Newton Faulkner and more have all been part of the festival line-up.

Performing - The Hoosiers Performing - The Hoosiers (Image: Steve Brading)

Mike said: “We are over the moon. We are local, we are a new independent grass roots festival, we are supporting independent businesses.

“There has been such a great positive atmosphere from all of our amazing crew and the public that have come and supported us.

“When I was 16, I put on some bands in the park. Here I am 17 years later with my fellow directors, Elliot and Andy, doing something which we’ve always dreamed of.

“We are incredibly thankful to the people of Southend who believe in what we are trying to do - it means the world.”

Family fun - a family enjoying the festival on SaturdayFamily fun - a family enjoying the festival on Saturday (Image: Steve Brading)

Mike said the team received some “amazing” feedback and he personally greeted festival-goers at the gate.

Some of his personal favourite musical acts have included the Cuban Brothers, DJ Yoda, and the Hoosiers, who last played Southend in 2007.

Pre-sale tickets for Lazydays Festival 2025 will be available for a reduced rate of £25 on Monday to customers that are signed up to the festival’s mailing list.

Mike addd: “We’ve set the dates. It is the exact same weekend next year - the last full weekend in July.

“We want to come back bigger, better, with more great music and work with the people of Southend to put on an amazing event.”