A highly-anticipated Christmas event on a south Essex seafront will not go ahead this year despte attempts by organisers to rearrange the event. 

Christmas Time on Canvey seafront was due to take place last weekend but was cancelled due to 50mph winds as Storm Bert swept across the country. 

Despite efforts to re-organise the event for a new date, organisers annonced today they were unable to sort acts, stalls, staff, and volunteers for a new date due to the time of year, and talents already being "fully booked."

They added the decision had not been "taken lightly" and are exploring other methods of bringing festive joy to the islands.

A spokesperson for Visiting Canvey said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the cancellation of this year’s Christmas Time at Canvey Seafront event.

"We have worked tirelessly to rearrange the event but we cannot align the acts, stalls, staff, and volunteers with a new date due to the time of year and most of the acts are fully booked on alternative dates.

"This decision was not made lightly, as we know how much our community looks forward to this festive celebration each year.

"However, after consulting with the team that arrange this event we simply cannot move everything we had planned this year to a new date and we don’t want to lower the event standards in favour of going ahead.

“We share in the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to celebrating the holiday season at the seafront.”

They thanked the "hard work" and dedication of their volunteers, vendors and performers, who worked "tirelessly" to prepare the event.

Organisers are looking into "creative" and "safe" ways with their new Santa's grotto in fantasy island amusements.

Stall holders or anyone with questions regarding the cancellation can contact organisers by phone on 01268 683026.

"We appreciate your understanding and continued support and look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger and better celebration next year," they added.

"Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas."

You can find out more by visiting here: http://www.visitingcanvey.co.uk/